Manchester United: LVG unconcerned about rumours linking David de Gea with a move to Real Madrid

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has dismissed speculation linking David de Gea with a move to Real Madrid in the ongoing winter transfer window during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Red Devils' clash against Liverpool on 17 January. The Dutchman is confident that the rumours will not affect his in-form goalkeeper ahead of their crucial clash at Anfield.

The Spaniard has been extensively linked with a move to the La Liga club, and almost completed a move on transfer deadline day in the summer. The clubs were unable to submit the paperwork on time after an entire summer of wrangling and the goalkeeper's move to the Santiago Bernabeu collapsed in the final hours leading up to the deadline. But according to ESPN FC, Real could still make an approach this month following the two-window transfer ban imposed on the club by Fifa earlier in the week.

The 10-time Champions League winners will be prohibited from signing any players in this summer's or next January's transfer window following the ban, and reports suggested that they could make a move for a number of targets ahead of the impending ban. The United manager, however, is unconcerned about the Spanish club making a move for De Gea, who, after a period of uncertainty, has established himself as the preferred choice between the sticks and has also thanked the Red Devils fans for the support during the transfer fiasco.

"I don't think that is the kind of thing that plays on the mind of David De Gea," Van Gaal said, as quoted by the Independent.

"I never thought about it in the period before the transfer window and now I am seeing David De Gea who is enjoying to stay here and play good games," the Dutch manager added.