De Gea staying put

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has made it clear he wants to stay in England and fight to become the club’s first choice in goal.

De Gea has been touted as a possible replacement for Iker Casillas at Real Madrid, but the 21-year-old said he is firmly focused on his career at Old Trafford.

“I am happy at United and not thinking about a return to Spain,” De Gea told The Sun.

“I’ve accepted the challenge to learn and improve as a professional, and fighting for my place gives me a bigger incentive to play well.”

He faces tough competition from Anders Lindegaard, with both ‘keepers yet to cement a regular starting place in the United team under Sir Alex Ferguson’s rotation policy this season.

De Gea is set to start Sunday’s crucial Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as Lindegaard is ruled out with a thumb injury.

Victory for United would see them reclaim second position in the Premier League table behind the Blues.