Manchester United earmark Jasper Cillessen as replacement for David de Gea

Manchester United have earmarked Jasper Cillessen as the man to replace David de Gea should the Spaniard leave the club for Real Madrid in the transfer window. De Gea is yet to start in any of United's games thus far, with Sergio Romero taking the baton from arguably United's best player last season.

Spanish publication Sport reports that De Gea's agent Jorge Mendes is set to land in England to resume conversation with United over a possible deal for Gea, who has been valued at €40m (£29m, $45m) by the 20-time English Champions. The report states that Mendes will urge United to listen to offers for De Gea since Romero is doing well at the back, having kept three clean sheets in the league.

Cillessen has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, with Louis van Gaal having worked with the Ajax number one during the World Cup, where he helped them progress into the semi-finals. They were stopped short in pursuit of their first World Cup by Argentina but Cillessen earned a lot of plaudits for his performance and is being reported as Van Gaal's top target to replace De Gea at Old Trafford.

However, Cillessen has refused to acknowledge the rumours and in a recent interview has revealed that he expects to end the season with Ajax. The keeper made 32 starts for Ajax last season, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.

"As far as I know it has never been an item," the Dutchman said, as reported by ESPN. "I, the club, or my agent have never heard anything. As for me, this season begins and ends at Ajax."

United have started the season well, accruing seven points from a possible nine in the league, while also winning a double header over Club Brugge to confirm their place in the group stages of the Champions League. Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick to open his account for the season and will be looking to translate his form against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on 30 August.