Manchester United: David de Gea could have lost opportunity to join Real Madrid says Gaizka Mendieta

Former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes Manchester United star David de Gea may never get a chance to join Real Madrid in the future. The goalkeeper was heavily linked to the La Liga giants throughout the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford and he wanted to join the 10-time European champions. Louis van Gaal allowed his player to join Real on deadline day and the transfer saw Real include Keylor Navas as part of the deal.

The deal collapsed as the Spanish giants failed to register De Gea before the deadline, despite both teams agreeing a fee for the transfer. Real issued a statement blaming United, and the Premier League giants hit back at claims they held up the deal.

The Mirror reports the Spain international could sign a new deal at United after his failed move to Real. Despite the ongoing saga surrounding De Gea's future, Mendieta has backed his compatriot to be the best goalkeeper in the coming years.

"Let's see what happens now, because both sides are upset with what happened, both seem to be blaming each other," the Evening Standard quoted Mendieta as saying. "I think on the player's side it's hard. I'm not sure if we will see another chance for De Gea to go back to Madrid. He certainly is going to be the best goalkeeper for Spain in the next couple of years."

The former Netherlands manager dropped De Gea for all the matches played so far this season and played summer signing Sergio Romero ahead of him. After conceding only one goal in his first five matches, the Argentine international let two goals against Swansea City as United lost 2-1 to the Welsh club.

United will face Liverpool in the next league clash at Old Trafford on 12 September. The Telegraph claims De Gea could return to the starting lineup against Brendan Rodgers' side after the international break.