David De Gea to Real Madrid: Louis van Gaal 'believes' goalkeeper will not leave Manchester United despite contract stalemate

De Gea has just one year remaining on his contract and has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid

David De Gea has been heavily linked with Real Madrid (Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal has told David de Gea he will struggle to find the level of support shown to him at Manchester United if he moves to Real Madrid.

Van Gaal raised the hopes of United fans across the planet on Friday when he said he was optimistic De Gea would reject Real Madrid's overtures and stay at Old Trafford.

A week after saying De Gea would find it hard to resist the lure of a move back to the Spanish capital, Van Gaal seemed far more optimistic about the goalkeeper's chances of remaining at United.

"I believe still that David de Gea shall stay," the United manager said.

De Gea has just one year left on his contract and Iker Casillas is entering the twilight of his career, so Madrid see this summer as the perfect opportunity to sign the 24-year-old Spain international.

Although Casillas has been guilty of committing a few errors this season, the fact remains that he has played over 500 times for the club and is therefore adored by Real Madrid fans.

United supporters have taken De Gea to their hearts over the last two years after he fought back from a difficult start to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Last weekend they sang De Gea's name and urged him to sign a new deal.

Van Gaal believes the warmth of the United support may prove crucial in any decision De Gea makes over his future.

"He is loved by the fans, he loves the environment. When he goes he loses that. It's a difficult decision," the United boss added.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

Van Gaal has held talks with some players who have question marks over their futures.

He will conclude those talks on Monday before flying to his villa in the Algarve for a well-earned break.

Van Gaal refused to say whether Robin van Persie would be at Old Trafford next year.

"You have to wait and see. I shall not say whom I am speak to," Van Gaal said of his fellow Dutchman, who also has 12 months left on his contract.

De Gea picked up the club's Player of the Season award (Getty Images)

Van Gaal wants to end the season on a high at the KC Stadium on Sunday even though against Hull would mean relegation for former United defender Steve Bruce.

Van Gaal added: "I have said to the players in spite of him being a Manchester United guy, we have to do what everybody is expecting from us.

"We have the same approach as ever. We have to give our utmost best."

PA