De Gea has been continuously linked with a return to Spain, with Real Madrid heavily interested after a deal to bring him to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu broke down in 2015 due to an administrative glitch.

Manchester United have De Gea under contract till 2019 but want to secure his services for longer to ward of any speculation.

According to a report by the , United seek to tie De Gea down with the new deal before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Provided that all terms are met, the reported contract should make De Gea the second highest earner at United behind winter acquisition Alexis Sanchez.

De Gea stated while on duty for Spain during the international break that he does not get the same 'respect and adoration' in Spain as he receives in England

United reportedly see his comments as an indicator that he is interested to remain at Old Trafford.

The report states that “The club wants it sorted. It has to be done in their eyes, they want David to go to the World Cup and come back knowing everything is settled.”

“Zlatan leaving has freed up more wiggle room on wages and United don't want to drag it out. They want to show the world that David won't be leaving for anywhere. It's a real statement.”

With United out of the Champions League De Gea should return to action when United travel to face neighbours Manchester City on Saturday, April 7 at the Etihad Stadium.