Manchester United believe that Real Madrid’s recent signing of Thibaut Courtois will help expedite contract negotiations with David de Gea.

De Gea came close to joining Madrid on the final day of the summer transfer window in 2015, only for the deal to break down at the eleventh hour.

Speculation linking the 27-year-old with the Bernabeu has persisted ever since, but Madrid’s £35m capture of Courtois from Chelsea last week appeared to end their long-running hunt for a goalkeeper.

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De Gea has one year remaining on his current Old Trafford contract and United are keen to tie him down to new terms, though the club also retain an option to extend his stay for a further year until 2020.

Senior United sources have told The Independent that although United have always been confident of reaching an agreement with De Gea, Courtois’ move to Madrid will now help to speed up negotiations.

De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, establishing himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper immediately.

David de Gea is expected to sign a new Manchester United contract (Getty)

The 27-year-old has won the club’s Player of the Year award in four of the past five seasons, making 316 appearances to date.