David de Gea
Manchester United are reportedly set to open talks with David de Gea over new contract Getty

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has claimed his decision to renew at Old Trafford is not going to be influenced by Victor Valdes' potential arrival at the club.

Having joined from Atletico Madrid to United in a £17.8m deal in 2011, the 23-year-old's contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in summer 2016 and some reports have claimed Real Madrid have earmarked him as Iker Casillas' long-term replacement.

Meanwhile, Valdes is recovering from an injury at Manchester United training facilities and even though it is still uncertain whether he will join the club on a full-time basis once he is back to full fitness, van Gaal opened the door to him by saying: "United always have their eyes open."

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When questioned during an interview with Spanish newspaper AS about whether he feels United want to sign Valdes just to press him to renew his contract, de Gea said: "No [They will not sign Valdes for that].

"Victor had a difficult injury, he had a bad time and the boss knows him well and has given him the opportunity to recover here. Van Gaal knows him well because I think he gave Victor his debut at Barça and has a special affection for him and whenever possible we have to help where we can".

When questioned about Valdes' fitness he said: "He is training over in Manchester but he's still not 100%.

"When he is fully fit I guess he will start to train with us, but he's still not training in goal with us. Sometimes he trains with the goalkeeper's coach but he is going little by little".

While asked about the rumours about a possible future move to Real Madrid, he said: "The English press has said that? I don't know."

"It is not time to think about the future. It is time to think about Manchester United because we are in a difficult moment.

"I am happy at Manchester United. I feel very loved at Manchester United. I am focused to do the best here."

Meanwhile, IBTimes UK understands the keeper is likely to be ready for the Premier League trip to Arsenal on Saturday 22 November as the injury he sustained in his finger on international duty is not as serious as first feared.