Manchester United ready to make David de Gea highest-paid player with new deal to fight off Real Madrid interest

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to hand David de Gea a mega-new deal and make him their highest paid player to fight off Real Madrid.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been targeted by the La Liga giants for the past three years and was close to joining them in 2015.

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The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2019, but United have the option of extending by a further 12 months.

The Red Devils are now poised to start talks with the ex-Atletico Madrid stopper in the next few weeks.

Old Trafford chiefs plan to up his £210,000-a-week terms to £300,000-a-week, putting him on par with Paul Pogba.

It would make them the joint highest-paid players at the club, and the most expensive in their history.

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It is understood United want to hand him anything up to a new five-year contract, sealing his long-term future.

An Old Trafford source said: “The club are finally going to kick-start contract talks with David very soon.

“There were hints of talks in the summer but formal discussions had not yet started, it was just a matter of time.

“There is no problem and the money men are committed to tying him down for the long-term.

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“He is probably the best and most important player at the club and there is no chance we want to lose him.”

United want contract talks with De Gea sealed before the end of the season, and have it signed before he leaves for the World Cup.

De Gea has been a key figure in Jose Mourinho's side pushing for the Premier League title this season with a series of stunning performances.

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