De Gea yet to sign contract at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has admitted he is already planning for David de Gea's departure and the Manchester United manager has revealed a list of potential replacements has been drawn up. The Dutchman reiterated the club stance that the preference is for the Spaniard to stay and de Gea has been offered a lucrative new deal worth a basic of £150,000 (€206,000) a week.

However, as the goalkeeper is yet to sign the contract and his terms expire in summer 2016 Van Gaal has identified who could replace him. Tottenham's Hugo Lloris, Chelsea's Petr Cech and Internazionale's Samir Handanovic are thought to be on the manager's radar.

Van Gaal said: “When we have a very good scouting commission, then we shall already know who shall be the next goalkeeper. We also have a list of goalkeepers who can replace him because we have to be organised always. Not only for that position but for every position. We want him to stay and I hope he shall sign. You have three parties and the most important party is always the player. I don’t want to repeat myself. I don’t know [why he hasn’t decided]. I cannot say what he’s saying to me.”

Real Madrid are keen to sign de Gea and Van Gaal would not be drawn on whether United can offer the 24-year-old everything the Spanish club can, apart from being situated in the player’s home town. “I don’t know, I cannot speak for Real Madrid,” said the manager.

For Arsenal's visit today Van Gaal will be without Wayne Rooney, because of a dead leg, and Luke Shaw, who has a facial injury. Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva are doubts over match fitness.

Van Gaal is clear that Shaw should not be selected by Gareth Southgate for the England under-21 friendly with Belarus on June 11th or the European Championship in the Czech Republic, which starts the following week." I don't think so, because when he is not playing for United he cannot play for other teams. He needs that rest I think, because [he has] over-crossed his limits. He's 19 years old, what do you expect? We have to protect him and I hope that the coach of the under-21s is understanding for that reason."

Balance

Van Gaal is unsure whether Rooney will return for the season’s final match at Hull City. The injury, he said, was “heavier than we thought”.

On Thursday Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, said he wants United to challenge for every trophy next season. Van Gaal said: "It's easy to say that for him. It's dependable on the balance of our selection next year." The 63-year-old feels his squad lacks balance and explained of his summer plans: "I go more for the balance than the individual player."

Woodward also said he was pleased with Van Gaal’s inaugural campaign. Champions League qualification is all but mathematically guaranteed with two games still to play. “Yes, are you surprised that he’s satisfied?” said the manager. “We have set together, me and the board or the board with me, the goal.

“The goal was in the first four positions and we have reached that already – it’s not bad, I think.” – Guardian Service