Manchester United 'closing in on David de Gea agreement'

Manchester United are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with goalkeeper David de Gea over a new contract.

The Spaniard has been at Old Trafford for 12 years, but his future has been the subject of widespread speculation in recent months.

De Gea has entered the final few months of his contract, and talks over a new deal have been far from straightforward.

The 32-year-old is currently the club's highest earner on £375,000 a week, which is a figure that Man United have looked to reduce in negotiations.

In March, De Gea revealed that he had turned down a new contract offer and a recent report also claimed that he is not prepared to lower his earnings by £9m a year.

Despite negotiations hitting a number of stumbling blocks, the two parties have always been confident that a resolution would be found.

According to ESPN, Man United are now closing on an agreement with their number one goalkeeper over a new contract.

The report claims that De Gea's basic wage will be reduced, but his new deal will include larger performance-related bonuses.

Before the deal can be confirmed, the two parties need to finalise how the contract will be structured.

Man United do have the option to trigger a one-year extension on his current deal, but the club are hopeful that the new contract can be agreed before the end of the season.

Even if De Gea remains at Old Trafford, Man United are still expected to strengthen their goalkeeping department due to a number of possible departures.

Tom Heaton, Jack Butland and Dean Henderson could all leave this summer, which will force the Red Devils to delve into the transfer market.

De Gea, meanwhile, is expected to start in goal on Thursday when Man United make the trip to Spain to face Sevilla in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

The Spain international has kept 21 clean sheets in 47 competitive appearances this season, including five shutouts in 11 Europa League games.