Louis van Gaal admits David de Gea could leave Manchester United as contract talks continue

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to be drawn into goalkeeper David de Gea's contract situation, but has hinted that anything can happen in football.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks, with Real Madrid being touted as a potential destination.

The former Atletico Madrid stopper has just 18 months left on his current deal and is yet to sign a new contract with the club, despite reports suggesting that United are ready to make him the highest paid goalkeeper in England.

The Dutch manager has refused to give any indication as to the progress being made with regards to the new deal, and has even hinted that he could move away, despite the club wanting to hold on to De Gea.

"I think that is also a question between the player and the board of Manchester United," Van Gaal said, as quoted on Manchester Evening News.

"Everything is possible in the world of football. We want to keep him," the former Bayern Munich manager added.

The 24-year-old Spanish international has been United's best player by far this season, and has at times single-handedly won games for Van Gaal's team.

These performances have attracted the interest of the 10-time European champions, who are reportedly looking at a replacement for current number one Iker Casillas.

However, Real assistant manager Paul Clement has distanced the club away from a move after revealing that Carlo Ancelotti is happy with the squad at his disposal.

"Real Madrid are always going to be linked with some of the best players and also some of the best emerging young talents. My understanding at the moment is that the club and manager's very happy with squad of players - we haven't got a big squad. But it is a squad packed with quality and there are no current plans for ins and outs," Clement said, as quoted by the London Evening Standard.