Diego Godin hopes to stay at Atletico Madrid amid Manchester United 'interest'

Diego Godin has insisted that he wants to stay at Atletico Madrid, despite reported interest from Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal is believed to have outlined a move for the centre-back as he tries to improve United's defensive frailties.

Widespread reports have claimed that Godin has a £28.5m buyout clause, but the player himself has suggested that if he is to go anywhere, it will be back to his homeland Uruguay.

"At this point, I feel that I'm in the best time of my career and I still see my retirement very far," Godin told ESPN. "I would like to stay many years here.

"But it is true that I also have an attraction from my country and at any point in the future I would like to return to Uruguay, to respond to the love they have showed me during this years. But just the time will say. It is difficult to know where I will be playing in as many years."

Godin has been an Atletico player since 2010 following his arrival from Villarreal.