Brad Friedel: 'David de Gea saga an issue for both player and Manchester United'

Goalkeeping veteran Brad Friedel has suggested that David de Gea's transfer saga poses problems for both the player and the club ahead of the new season.

United take on Friedel's former team in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and the 44-year-old believes that Real Madrid's protracted interest in De Gea could provide a headache for Louis van Gaal come the weekend.

"Is it an issue? Yes it's an issue," said Friedel, according to The Express.

"I don't think the club will be happy with what is going on and I don't think David De Gea will be happy with what's going on either."

United have already brought in Argentine stopper Sergio Romero as a potential goalkeeping option this summer.