Manchester United face a real challenge to keep hold of goalkeeper David de Gea should they miss out on Champions League football next season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad are currently sat sixth, three points off Chelsea in fourth, with four games left of the campaign.

De Gea has one year left on his current deal at Old Trafford but according to the Guardian, the odds on him signing a new contract 'look remote' if United miss out on a top four finish.

Manchester United's chances of keeping David de Gea 'look remote' if they miss the top four

The 28-year-old Spaniard has spent eight seasons in Manchester but has long been linked with a switch to Real Madrid and a return to Spain.

In a bid to buy more time for negotiations, United triggered their one-year option on De Gea back in November to take his contract through until 2020.

But United will be reluctant to lose one of their prized assets for nothing and face a dilemma whether to cash in on him this summer if he is not going to sign fresh terms.

The Spanish goalkeeper's current deal expires in 2020 and he is yet to agree to fresh terms

Solskjaer was defiant after the 4-0 humiliation against Everton over the Easter weekend that he will overhaul the squad in a bid to make the club successful again.

Six defeats in eight games since he was given the job on a permanent basis has exposed the weaknesses in United's squad and the Norwegian is determined to create a side capable of competing for titles.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Manchester derby, the United boss said: 'I like all these boys, I love them, because they're great lads,' he said. 'But I've got to make decisions and manage for the club.

'I'm managing the club and helping the players but I manage for the club. We're going to put all our efforts into making sure we do what we think is right for the club.