David de Gea signs four-year contract at Manchester United following collapse of Real Madrid move

David de Gea has completed a dramatic U-turn and signed a new four-year deal at Manchester United, just a week after seeing a prospective move to Real Madrid collapse. The Spanish international has committed his future to the Old Trafford club until 2019, with an option for a further year.

De Gea had appeared to be on the brink of moving to Real on the final day of the Spanish summer transfer window, before a delay using Fifa's transfer-matching system meant the deal was not completed in time. The long-running saga regarding the 24 year old's future saw him omitted from the United team for their first six games of the season and led to the signing of Argentina international Sergio Romero.

But in a dramatic about-turn less than two weeks after being on the brink of leaving United, De Gea has seemingly ended speculation over his immediate future by penning a new deal, though questions remain over his long-term career aspirations. Confirmation of the contract is also likely to see De Gea available for selection for the visit of Liverpool on 12 September.

"I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career," he told the club's official website. "I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career. I'm looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful."

United manager Louis van Gaal added: "I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football. I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come. David made a very important contribution to our performance last season and he has been the club's player of the year for the last two seasons. He is a popular player who is keen to learn and enhance his game. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, he has many years ahead of him."