Manchester United were moving closer to securing David De Gea’s long-term future last night.

De Gea has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Old Trafford, but United are confident that the Spain goalkeeper will shortly sign a lucrative new deal.

The Times reported yesterday that United had intensified talks over a new contract and there is growing confidence that the situation will be resolved soon, which would end any fears of the 24-year-old joining Real Madrid.

United announced the signing of Víctor Valdés, the former Barcelona goalkeeper, on an 18-month contract yesterday with the option of a further year. Louis van Gaal, the United manager, expressed his delight at the signing, but made it clear that the 32-year-old would be De Gea’s