Louis van Gaal backs David de Gea for United stay

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is confident that goalkeeper David de Gea will draw a line under the speculation over his future by signing a new contract.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a return to La Liga, with Real Madrid reportedly identifying him as a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas.

Van Gaal bolstered his options between the sticks by signing free agent Victor Valdes on an 18-month deal on Thursday.

"I think there is no problem for [De Gea] to sign," he told Sky Sports News.

"When you are a [regular] player, then probably you are the best, and then the manager is very happy that a player that is fixed in the line-up will stay."

The 24-year-old, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has 18 months remaining on his existing deal at Old Trafford.