David de Gea to Real Madrid: Manhester United goalkeeper nears Old Trafford exit, back training with first team

Red Devils goalkeeper continues to eye an exit to his homeland

David De Gea, Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard watch Manchester United from the stands (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is closing in on his switch to Real Madrid after it was reported that the Spaniard had been forced to train with the reserves at Carrington.

The 24-year-old, according to the Daily Mail, is back training with the first-team squad despite being left out of the 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Friday evening.

De Gae expected to have a session with the fringe players but was invited to practice alongside fellow shotstoppers Anders Lindegaard, Sam Johnstone and Sergio Romero.

Despite manager Louis van Gaal's claims that this Spain international has asked not to be selected for United matches until his future has been sorted, representatives of the player claim he would never make such a request.

Real Madrid are expected to return with an improved offer for De Gea before the closure of the summer transfer window as Argentine goalkeeper Romero looks for third consecutive clean sheet.

"He's been terrific," said Red Devils defender defender Chris Smalling. "He's come straight in and made an impact. It's not easy because he was probably the one player who didn't get a full pre-season with us.

"His English isn't fluent so it can be difficult for him. But he's shown that nothing phases him."