Louis van Gaal admits it will be tough to keep David De Gea at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has admitted Manchester United will find it difficult to stop goalkeeper David de Gea joining Real Madrid this summer.

United have offered the Spanish international a bumper new deal but he is yet to sign it and speculation is mounting over a potential return to La Liga.

Van Gaal believes the chance of moving back to one of the world's top clubs and to his native country could be too hard for the 24-year-old to turn down.

“He is Spanish, he is Spanish international and now a Spanish club is coming,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports after United's 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

“His girlfriend is Spanish, his father and mother come every week or every two weeks here. So it is difficult."

De Gea was injured and replaced by Victor Valdes in the 74th minute against Arsenal, with United fans, who had held up banners asking him to stay throughout the match, applauding him as he left the pitch.

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But despite admitting that it may be difficult to keep the goalkeeper at Old Trafford, Van Gaal will not let him leave easily.

Van Gaal said: "With every individual transfer there is a process and there will be a process with David De Gea.

"David De Gea shall not leave us so easily because we are a great club and he wants to participate.”