Manchester United target de Gea wants to stay in Spain

(Photo: Ryu Voelkel)

Atlético Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea has underlined his desire to remain in the Spanish capital for the foreseeable future.

De Gea, 20, is a long-term target for Manchester United and a host of Europe’s top clubs since emerging as one of the most promising goalkeepers in his age category.

The Madrid-born shot-stopper played a vital role in Atlético’s successful Europa League run last season and has already made 51 appearances for the La Liga club.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently highlighted de Gea as a suitable replacement for Edwin van der Sar with the Spaniard believed to be valued at around £15m. However, de Gea—who uprooted Sergio Asenjo as Atlético’s first choice between the posts—wants to remain at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.

“I am delighted and very happy at Atlético and would like to stay here,” he said. “It is a tribute that a great team like Manchester United is interested in me. It’s nice, but I have Atlético deep inside me and I would like to stay.”

He continued: “The club has given me everything. This club is great and hopefully beautiful things can happen here. I am very happy here. I have a lifetime here and it is a big club that deserves everything.”

Manchester United are expected to complete a deal to sign Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard within the next few weeks.