Manchester United keeper David de Gea has been linked with a summer switch to Real Madrid

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says he wants to see David de Gea at Old Trafford next season but will understand if his friend decides to move on.

De Gea has just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford and the Spanish goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move back to Spain with Real Madrid said to be leading the chase.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Mata said: "Lots of people ask me about him. He's a friend and I want him to be happy.

"He's currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world. From a selfish point of view, I would want to have him in my team."

Edwin van der Sar wants Manchester United to keep David de Gea this summer Edwin van der Sar wants Manchester United to keep David de Gea this summer

Former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes is already at Old Trafford but Louis van Gaal is rumoured to be lining up a replacement for De Gea with Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris, Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak and Ajax's Jasper Cillessen all heavily linked.

Mata also took time to praise former manager Rafael Benitez who he claims brought the best football out of him when he played under the Spaniard at Chelsea.

He said: "I had him at Chelsea and we won the Europa League. It was a great campaign, my best in terms of statistics. Benítez knows how to get the most out of every player and get them performing to their best."