Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has told Real Madrid to “think of another player” if they still want David de Gea.

United and Spain goalkeeper De Gea has been frequently linked with Real, who he came close to joining in August 2015.

The following month he signed a new contract with the Red Devils that runs to the summer of 2019, with the option to extend for a further year.

David de Gea came close to joining Real Madrid in 2015 (Dave Thompson/EMPICS)
David De Gea came close to joining Real Madrid in 2015 (Dave Thompson/EMPICS)

Mourinho was quoted by a number of British newspapers as telling Spanish TV channel La Sexta: “I see him (De Gea) staying here.

“I do not know Real Madrid’s intentions but, if I were them, I would think of another player.”

Mourinho, who managed Real from 2010 to 2013, was speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Sevilla at Old Trafford. The first leg in Spain finished 0-0.

De Gea, 27, has kept four clean sheets in the competition this season, and 15 in the Premier League.