David De Gea to Real Madrid: Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says situation must be sorted soon before season

The 'keeper has been linked with a £28m return to Spain

David De Gea during Manchester Unted's pre-season tour of America (Getty Images)

Manchester United legend Peter Schemichel has urged the current incumbent of the United No 1 shirt David De Gea to make a decision over his future before the start of the Premier League season on 8 August.

The 24-year-old only has a year left on his contract and has been Real’s top target this summer, but the Premier League club have remained firm in holding out for their £28m asking price.

Schmeichel, who enjoyed eight trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, says that he cannot blame De Gea to want to move back to Spain, but either way hopes all is resolved before the start of the next campaign.

"He has arguably been [the club's] best player in the last two years, so he’s an important part of Manchester United," Schmeichel, 51, said.

"But if he wants to go back to Madrid - which I can understand and I wouldn’t blame him for doing that - then go back and let Manchester United move on."

De Gea has been at United since 2011, after signing from Atletico Madrid for £18m. He was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's side who won the Premier League title in 2013.

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