Louis van Gaal is still optimistic about Manchester United’s hopes of keeping David de Gea at Old Trafford and hopes to pick the Spaniard against Hull City on Sunday.
The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is a target for one-time rivals Real Madrid this summer, who have issued him a ‘now or never’ ultimatum as they bid to prise him away from United.
The Red Devils, though, are still trying to persuade the 24-year-old to sign a new bumper contract, and Van Gaal remains upbeat about the chances of retaining the shot-stopper.
“I believe still that David de Gea shall stay,” said the veteran Dutch boss ahead of United’s final game of the season, an away trip to the KC Stadium against the relegation-threatened Tigers.
“You know that I shall talk with [the players] maybe tomorrow, we’ll have a farewell drink.
“After the match, I have the Monday to talk, I have spoken to some players this week. You have to wait and see how these talks develop in terms of players staying or going.”
Van Gaal will pick as strong a side as possible for Sunday’s decisive match, saying he owes it to both drop-threatened Newcastle and the integrity of the Premier League, and hopes to call on De Gea, who picked up an injury against Arsenal.