David De Gea believes he can still fulfil his ambitions at Manchester United after finally ending the long-standing uncertainty over his future by signing a new four-year contract.

The Spain goalkeeper has become United’s highest paid player after misfit striker Alexis Sanchez by agreeing a new deal worth around £375,000 a week with bonuses that will tie him to the club until June 2023.

The contract - which includes the option of another year - moves De Gea above midfielder Paul Pogba in the pay stakes but still behind Sanchez, who earns in excess of £500,000 a week and is currently on loan at Inter Milan.

Contrary to reports, it is understood that United have not waived a squad wide clause in De Gea’s deal that sees players’ earnings drop if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.

The news brings to an end 18 months of protracted talks. De Gea would have been free to talk to foreign suitors in January, with his previous deal expiring at the end of the season.