Reports: United activate De Gea extension

While negotiations on a longer-term deal continue between the two parties, United are thought to have excercised their option to extend De Gea's current deal by at least one more year. 

The Spanish international's current deal was set to expire this summer, which would have allowed him to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January. 

However, United have opted to trigger the extension clause that adds one further year onto the keeper's contract. 

This year gives the club the time to either tie the player down to another long-term contract, or entertain offers from other clubs to sign the player, without having to left him depart the club for free. 

Since he joined the club in 2011, De Gea has been a pivotal part in multiple trophy wins, including the Premier League and the Europa League.