Manchester United fear they could lose De Gea for free

The Italian champions, who beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, have become masters in the art of snapping up top talent for nothing and it is understood that the goalkeeper is aware that they want him when his deal at Old Trafford expires.

The club have pulled off impressive deals over the decade, signing players like Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Sami Khderia and Dani Alves all for nothing. 

According to 'The Times', Massimiliano Allegri's side are hopeful of recruiting a goalkeeper to match the calibre of club icon Gianluigi Buffon, who left Turin after 17 years this summer.

De Gea is yet to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, with Jose Mourinho becoming increasingly concerned that he may lose his goalkeeper for nothing. 

A Manchester United source told 'The Times': "De Gea played against his future club on Tuesday. Juve are an expert in intelligent deals. If United don't sell him in the summer, Juventus will wait until the end of his contract."

The 'Red Devils' paid a previous British record fee for a goalkeeper of £18.9m when they signed De Gea from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

It is understood that the club are set to sit down with the Spaniard in coming week to agree terms on a new long-term contract, however Juventus will be patently waiting in the wings.