David De Gea transfer latest: Manchester United goalkeeper 'surprised' at being left out again by Louis van Gaal for Aston Villa match

Dutch coach confirmed De Gea will not be considered for match

David De Gea (GETTY IMAGES)

David De Gea is 'surprised' at being left out of the match against Aston Villa, according to reports.

The BBC report that sources close to the Spanish goalkeeper, who is linked with a move to Real Madrid, has never said he did not want to play for the club.

De Gea has been training with the reserve team and Dutch coach Louis van Gaal confirmed that the 24-year-old will not be considered for selection until the transfer window closes.

"We have talked with him and he is in full agreement with our decision," Van Gaal said at his press conference on Thursday. "I have two assistant coaches so we speak about that kind of thing and we have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, so I am not doing everything alone.

"Frans has had a meeting with David and he asks him if he wants to play. The answer is no. David was not eager to play because of the situation and because he was not 100 per cent focussed due to all the rumours surrounding him.

Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

"Then we have to take a decision. It is a process. We had been observing him and he was not so good – he was not the same David De Gea as before. He was my best player last season."

United are determined to be seen as Real Madrid's financial equals and would rather let De Gea stay this season and leave for free next summer, risking a big loss, than let him go for a reduced price now.

Sergio Romero will continue in goal at Villa Park, with Victor Valdes also frozen out of first-team duties because Van Gaal said he refused to play for the Under-21s, something the former Barcelona No 1 denies.