Manchester United: Red Devils have list of players as David de Gea's replacement says Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has revealed that Manchester United have already started preparing for a life without David de Gea.

The Spain international has been constantly linked with a move to return to his homeland as Real Madrid are keen on securing his services. He has one year left on his contract and the Dutch manager has already confirmed Red Devils have offered a new deal, which is worth "a lot of money."

However, de Gea has not committed his future and the latest reports suggest that the goalkeeper has already agreed personal terms to join the Spanish capital club in the summer transfer window.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager says United are already lining up a list of candidates who can replace de Gea if he decides to leave Old Trafford after the end of this campaign.

"We know who already shall be the next goalkeeper. We have a list of goalkeepers who can replace him because we have to be organised also, not only for that position but every position. We want him to stay so hopefully he shall sign," Van Gaal explained.

United manager also went on to suggest that de Gea's future will not be decided by the club or Van Gaal, but by the player himself. The 63-year-old remains hopeful the former Atletico Madrid stopper will snub a chance to join Real and commit his future to the 20-time English champions.

"When you ask that, it's dependable not of Manchester United, not of me, because we want him to sign. He has to sign, he has to want to stay here at Manchester United," United manager told the club's official website.

"I don't know [why he hasn't decided]. I cannot say what he's saying to me. We want him to stay and I hope he shall sign."

Tottenham Hotspur star Hugo Lloris is identified as one of the players to replace de Gea, if he decides to end his time in England. United also have the services of the former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes, who is yet to make his first team debut since joining them in January.