David de Gea set Manchester United fans' pulses racing on Monday afternoon when he was spotted on a flight to Madrid.

The goalkeeper has been linked with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid and took advantage of some time off to return to the Spanish capital, his former home.

De Gea, who signed for United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has been given holiday until Wednesday – in line with the rest of Louis van Gaal’s squad.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea catches a flight back to Madrid on Monday

De Gea (centre) has returned to Spain after being given a small break by Manchester United

The goalkeeper flew on an easyJet flight from Liverpool airport, which was delayed, but eventually landed in Madrid around 8.20pm.

De Gea, who has arguably been Manchester United's player of the season, has been touted to replace Iker Casillas at the Bernabeu.

The Real Madrid veteran has been at war with an element of his club's supporters since Jose Mourinho's era with Los Blancos.

That frequently manifests itself into whistles directed at him during matches, including some in the 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday.

The Spanish international has been heavily linked with La Liga giants Real Madrid in recent months

Casillas told the Madrid fans ‘That's enough, for f***'s sake,’ as his side contrived to drop two vital points and give Barcelona a clear lead in La Liga's title race.

The signing of De Gea, 24, is seen as desirable, with the keeper viewed as someone who can hold down the position for a decade, and also become the long-term replacement for Casillas at national level.

De Gea is thought to be keen on the idea of returning to live in his former city, though he has maintained silence on the matter, a source of frustration for Manchester United, who want to tie him down to a new deal.

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