Manchester United transfer news and rumours: David De Gea new contract, Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the move

A round-up of the latest stories regarding ins and outs at Old Trafford

Manchester United are reportedly hopeful of tying David de Gea down to a new long-term contract having opened negotiations with the goalkeeper.

The 27-year-old has one year remaining on his current £200,000-a-week contract, which includes the option of extending for another 12 months.

However, after Jose Mourinho last week revealed United’s intentions to secure De Gea on a new, longer deal, The Telegraph reports that talks are now at a preliminary stage.

One player understood to be on his way out of Old Trafford is Matteo Darmian.

As The Independent exclusively reported on Wednesday, Milan and Valencia are both interested in taking the 28-year-old full-back off Mourinho’s hands.

If Darmian is not sold this month, however, he could be used a makeweight in a prospective deal for Juventus’ Alex Sandro.

Last but by no means least, “significant progress” has been made in Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s negotiations with Arsenal over the last 24 hours.

Despite fears on Tuesday that Mkhitaryan needed to be convinced of a switch to north London, the Armenian could now join up with Arsene Wenger’s squad before the weekend.

Mkhitaryan’s departure will pave the way for Alexis Sanchez to join United on a four-year contract worth approximately £400,000-a-week.