David De Gea ‘demands’ lower buy-out clause in new Manchester United contract

Contract talks between David de Gea and Manchester have stalled, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The two parties are reportedly at loggerheads over the buy-out clause figure, with United wanting it be close to €65 million, and De Gea's representatives arguing for a figure closer to €30. The goalkeeper's contract expires in under 18 months, but United will be hoping an agreement can be reached on a new deal soon, otherwise they may be forced to sell the player in summer or risk losing him for nothing 12 months later. De Gea has been United's best player this season and has been constantly linked with a move to Real Madrid. The Spanish newspaper are reporting that a potential transfer to Madrid is the reason why the player's representatives want a lower buy-out clause. Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, is reportedly worried that the club won't want to pay an exorbitant fee when they decide to replace Iker Casillas, while Manchester United understandably want receive the best fee possible should De Gea eventually leave the club. De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for € 24 million, recovering from a shaky start to become one of the club's most important players, and was named the clubs player's and fan's player of the year last season. Even if De Gea signs a new deal at United, links with a return to Spain probably won't go away. Hat-tip AS.