De Gea 'happy' at Man Utd, unfazed by Real Madrid rumours

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has dismissed suggestions he is set to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid in the not too distant future, after insisting he has no plans on returning to Spain.

Media reports emerged earlier this week that claimed Real were keen to take De Gea to the Bernabeu as the long-term successor to club legend Iker Casillas.

But De Gea, 21, has rubbished the claims, despite struggling to nail down a place in the first-team this season with Anders Lindegaard often preferred in Premier League matches.

"I am happy at United and not thinking about a return to Spain," De Gea said. "I've accepted the challenge to learn and improve as a professional." 

De Gea arrived at United last summer under immense pressure to replace the highly successful Edwin van der Sar, and after a shaky start to the season, proved what a fine goalkeeper he is.

But the Spaniard began the current campaign in similarly inconsistent form, which led to his place being taken by Lindegaard.

However, De Gea is not fazed by losing his place in the starting line-up, instead using it as added motivation to improve and claim it back.

He said: "Fighting for my place gives me a bigger incentive to play well."

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