David De Gea latest: Louis van Gaal 'hopes' Real Madrid target will remain at Manchester United

The Spaniard is the subject of intense interest

David De Gea in pre-season action for United (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal admits he is hoping that David De Gea will remain at Manchester United rather than move to Real Madrid this summer.

The goalkeeper has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Real Madrid making little secret of their desire to bring the Spain international to the Bernabeu.

United have been playing hard-ball, insisting they will only allow De Gea to move if Sergio Ramos comes in the other direction.

It's seem the deal has hit something of an impasse and it appears a real possibility that De Gea will go nowhere despite all the talk this summer. That's what Van Gaal is hoping for.

"Of course I do hope that David de Gea shall stay but in this world of football you never know," Van Gaal said.

De Gea impressed in last night's 3-1 win over Barcelona.

"In spite of his injury he doesn't train for one week, he can show his quality already in this game," said Van Gaal.

"He has showed his quality.

"The first chance was for Barcelona. When you stop the first chance, then you can score the first goal, which we did. That is always the difference in the game."

De Gea has one year remaining on his Manchester United contract and could leave for free in 12 months.