MANCHESTER, October 23- Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has responded to rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid by insisting he’s happy where he is.
De Gea is seen as the successor to Iker Cassilas in the Spain set-up, but the local press view him as the Real Madrid keeper’s replacement at club level too.
Spanish tabloid Marca claimed earlier this month that the 23-year-old would welcome a move to the Santiago Bernabeu and had instructed his agent to postpone negotiations with United over a new contract.
Readers of the newspaper had also voted for De Gea to succeed Cassilas at Real in a poll, with the latter having come under severe criticism from the Los Blancos faithful despite helping the club win their 10th European crown last season.
However, former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper De Gea stressed his commitment to the Red Devils, telling kicker: “Those are rumours. I am happy here.”
He is targeting a swift return to the UEFA Champions League with the English club and feels the team are finally coming together under new manager Louis van Gaal after a patchy start to the 2014/15 season.
“We are finding ourselves better week by week – that’s the result of hard work. The challenge is to get back to the very top,” said De Gea.
“It’s normal to have early difficulties when you get a new manager with a new concept. Van Gaal has always said that it will take time. But there’s no doubt about it: United have to return to the Champions League.”