Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal sanctions David de Gea's transfer to Real Madrid

Real Madrid have received encouragement in their ongoing pursuit of David de Gea after Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal decided to sanction the sale of the keeper.

United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and the first goal from Blaise Matuidi could have been avoided if not for the error from their defenders and De Gea. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Dutchman feels it is best to sanction the sale of the former Atletico Madrid man in this summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old has one year left on his contract and has long rejected a chance to sign a new deal. He has been constantly linked with a move to Real, while the Red Devils want their defender Sergio Ramos to be included as a part of the deal.

However, Marca reports Ramos has snubbed a chance to make a switch to Old Trafford and is set to commit his future to the current employers by signing a new deal.

AS claims Van Gaal's change of mind in De Gea position is a progress for Real as they have moved a step closer in bringing the Spain international to Santiago Bernabeu.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said he wants to bring in the best players to United. He believes letting De Gea join the European giants will be a sign of weakness, especially when their chances of signing Ramos look very slim.

Woodward wants United to once again be a dominant force in Europe and is unhappy in letting his star player join Real.

The Spanish capital club forced their captain Iker Casillas leave the club as he completed his move to FC Porto. Real have already signed goalkeeper Kiko Casilla from Espanyol this summer.

New manager Rafael Benitez has the services of Keylor Navas and Casilla as the first choice keepers in the squad. Real are relaxed about De Gea's situation and the 10-time European champions are confident they can sign the stopper for free next summer.

Should that happen, the same report claims Benitez's side have to pay De Gea €10m (£7m, $11m) as they assured him that he will be a Real player.