Jorge Mendes: David de Gea negotiating contract extension with Manchester United

David de Gea's agent Jorge Mendes has confirmed that the Spaniard has not signed a deal with Real Madrid and that he is currently negotiating with Manchester United to extend his contract.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move back to Spain to replace Iker Casillas between the posts at Madrid, having already taken the number one position from the veteran for the national team.

De Gea's contract expires in 2016 and with the player still stalling on signing a new deal, alarm bells started ringing across the United board with Louis van Gaal signing Victor Valdes on a short-term contract to provide cover in case of a discrepancy.

De Gea has been United's best player by far this season, making a flurry of saves which have kept them in reckoning for a top four spot, especially with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton making major headway.

"I am negotiating with Manchester United about De Gea's renewal. It is not true that De Gea has found a deal with Real Madrid. I'm negotiating with Manchester United his extension," Mendes told Cadena Ser, as quoted by the Guardian.

United are currently fourth in the league, a point above Tottenham and two points above Arsenal following their 1-1 draw with West Ham United at Upton Park. Daley Blind's blinder in injury time tied the scores for both teams, giving Van Gaal's side an escape route after a disappointing day in office.

Meanwhile, the Dutchman praised United for their spirit after scavenging a draw at Upton Park.

"I think we played very badly in the first half and we showed a lot of spirit in the second half, especially after the goal. We gave that goal away I think. Then we played football but you have to do it from the first minute. I have to say what a spirit my team showed after falling 1-0 behind. I have thanked my players for that," he told United's official website.