MANCHESTER United are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Spain U-21 goalkeeper David De Gea from Atletico Madrid in January.

Talks are at an advanced stage after weeks of negotiations, with United expected to pay about £15m for the 20-year-old.

It was unclear last night whether De Gea would join United in January or see out the season at Atletico.

An imposing figure at almost 6ft 4ins, De Gea -- contracted until June 2013 -- was part of the Atletico team who defeated Fulham 2-1 in the Europa League final in May.

He rejected the chance to join Wigan last year.

Irish Independent