Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo gives David de Gea his best 'whatever lies ahead for him'

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has wished teammate David De Gea all the best with "whatever lies ahead" as the goalkeeper continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

De Gea, 24, has turned down United's offers of a contract extension with his current deal set to expire next summer and looks poised to cut ties with the club.

While the Spain international is expected to complete a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Real are currently refusing to pay the £25m asking price, according to the Mirror.

But wherever the ex-Atletico Madrid starlet starts the new season, Rojo has wished him well and backed him to keep improving.

"If David is not the best goalkeeper in the world today, then he is very close," Rojo told Goal. "He has adapted really well to the Premier League this past year.

"He is at an incredible level – I see him day in, day out and he is an outstanding goalkeeper. As I say, if he is not the best in the world today, he is very close. I am very happy he is being recognised because he is a great goalkeeper.

"Ever since I came to the club he has treated me as a brother. I am very happy for his present moment and whatever lies ahead for him, I wish him the best."

United's pursuit of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has provided a further subplot to the ongoing transfer saga with Spanish daily AS reporting last week United will offer more than €30m (£21.3m, $33.7m) plus the their Spanish goalkeeper in order to lure the centre half to Old Trafford.

While De Gea has remained silent amid the ongoing speculation, a Spanish reporter from Cuatro called Louis van Gaal at his home in Amsterdam to quiz the United boss on the possible deal.

When asked if he was angry about the De Gea rumours, van Gaal told the reporter: "Yes, yes, but I do not have any comment. You know that... no problem, it doesn't interest me either. I never talk with the media about this topic."