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De Gea deal would send a message, says Schmeichel

Manchester United must sign David De Gea to a new contract to send a message to their rivals, says club legend Peter Schmeichel.

De Gea, 24, joined United for £18.6 million in 2011 and has become one of the best goalkeepers in world football during his time at Old Trafford.

His current deal expires in 2016 when he becomes a free agent, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the situation as they seek a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas.

"It's very important the club's best players sign new contracts to send a signal," Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "It shows that they believe in the Manchester United project and believe the club will go back not only to the top of the Premier League but also European football.

"If De Gea signs a new deal it would be a very big signal and I'm sure everyone who loves the club would love that. Fingers crossed he will sign another five-year contract."

United must also decide what to do with Radamel Falcao, who joined on loan from Monaco last summer.

The Colombian striker has struggled with injury and form, but Schmeichel claims that if he can regain full fitness then he is worth the reported £43 million fee that United would have to spend to make his signing permanent.

"We knew when he came that he had this injury and it was his reaction to coming back that was to be the exciting part," Schmeichel said.

"Unfortunately he's had more injuries but if he is 100% from next season then he's the kind of player that I think Manchester United would love to add permanently to the club.

"He has proven himself to be a fantastic goal scorer in the past and he's been unlucky in the last 18 months. Hopefully he can get through this injury hell and get back to what he used to be."

David De Gea is reportedly close to agreeing a new deal at Manchester United © Getty Images

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