Manchester United 'refusing to meet David de Gea demands'

Manchester United will reportedly not bow to David de Gea's contract demands, despite the risk of losing their first-choice goalkeeper as a free agent.

The Spain international favours staying at Old Trafford over joining a new club, but he is believed to be holding out for wages of more than £350,000 a week.

That would make him the highest-paid keeper in their history and leave him second only to Alexis Sanchez, signed on a free last year, as the club's current top earner.

According to the Evening Standard, though, the Red Devils are holding firm on their refusal to pay De Gea that amount of money.

There are said to be fears behind the scenes at Old Trafford that the contract wrangle is impacting the one-time Real Madrid target's form, as he was at fault for Arsenal's first goal in Sunday's 2-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium.

United triggered a one-year extension in De Gea's contract earlier this season, meaning that he is tied down for another 15 months.