Manchester United fear they are facing a losing battle in their bid to keep star goalkeeper David De Gea at the club, according to reports.
The Spaniard is out of contract in summer 2016 and the United hierarchy are increasingly worried they will lose the goalkeeper, as he has so far refused to enter into negotiations to discuss a new deal, report the Daily Mirror.
Real Madrid have long been linked with De Gea, 24, who has been arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season.
With Iker Casillas, 33, coming to the end of an illustrious career - and declining in ability - De Gea is seen as the perfect replacement for their captain.
United are believed to be ready to give De Gea a new deal worth as much as £140,000-a-week, an deal that would make him the highest paid goalkeeper in England.
De Gea has kept 10 clean sheets in 29 matches this season but is viewed as the main reason that United remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
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