David de Gea could sign a new contract at Manchester United

Manchester United's senior executive Ed Woodward has joined the club's contract talks with David de Gea, according to Sky sources.

It is understood the executive vice chairman was not present on Thursday when discussions began at United's Aon Training Ground between De Gea's representatives and family and club officials, including manager Louis van Gaal.

But Woodward returned to Manchester on Friday as negotiations continued over a new deal to keep the goalkeeper at the club, following the transfer deadline day collapse of his move to Real Madrid.

Woodward's presence is significant, with one of his key roles at the club being to broker all major deals involving players.

Sky sources say the terms of the deal are largely similar to the contract De Gea refused to sign last season but would see a dramatic rise in his salary keeping him at Old Trafford for another five years.

The Spain international saw his hopes of a move to the Bernabeu dashed when the two clubs were unable to file the paperwork prior to the Spanish transfer window deadline.

United have consistently stated their reluctance to lose their player of the year for the past two seasons and have always wanted to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the current campaign.

Ed Woodward, the executive vice chairman at Manchester United, who brokers all player contract negotiations.

De Gea is represented by 'super agent' Jorge Mendes, with whom United have a long-standing relationship, and Mendes was spotted at the club's Carrington training ground on Thursday along with members of De Gea's family for talks.

Sky Sports News HQ reporter James Cooper, who has followed the situation at Old Trafford closely all summer, said: "I don't think it is a new deal. They have not offered him a new deal. They have merely reminded there is a deal on the table to be signed.

De Gea wants to be back playing for United as soon as possible.

"It would see his wages escalate, it would last for five years and I think it would give Manchester United the comfort of knowing they would have a fee [if he were to leave], bearing in mind many thought De Gea would be a Real Madrid player at this stage.

"No one at Manchester United thought he would remain at the club throughout that transfer window. Clearly there were problems at the end of transfer deadline day."

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