Keeper De Gea's waiting game

*Keeper yet to commit future to United

Though the Old Trafford suits seem reluctant to recognise it, David de Gea is Manchester United's talisman at present.

The Spanish goalkeeper's saves win games and Real Madrid are among the clubs keeping tabs on his situation at the Theatre of Dreams, where there is a staring contest of sorts taking place over his future.

The stories suggesting that De Gea has been offered a new contract worth €8 million a season are untrue. The same goes for the reported swap deal that would take Gareth Bale to United for €65m plus De Gea.

'Los Blancos' are certainly interested in the former Atlético shotstopper - his agent is Jorge Mendes, who has close ties at the Bernabéu and has thrown the goalie's name into the hat during discussions with the club's higher-ups on several occasions - but they have never considered letting Bale leave in exchange.

Real are biding their time and watching the standoff from afar. Florentino Pérez has no intention of rocking the boat in the glove department right now, with Iker Casillas's return to his best meaning there is no longer a pressing need to sign a top keeper. Keylor Navas isn't going anywhere either.

De Gea, meanwhile, is waiting for United to blink first. He is happy in Manchester, having won over the fans, his teammates and the critics, but he wants to be appreciated - and to win trophies. That much is self-evident to all and sundry who have come into contact with him. Staying with the Red Devils remains his first choice, but the clock is ticking and Real cast a long shadow