Manchester United are ahead of Wigan Athletic in the race for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea. De Gea has revealed he turned down a move to Wigan last year - in order to keep his dream of replacing Edwin Van der Sar alive.

"All I know is what Atletico have told me - there has been contact between the two clubs," he said. "I believe now is not the time to move. I was about to go to Wigan last summer but I wanted to remain at Atletico and take my opportunity another time.

"The Premier League would be enjoyable for any player and it is an option I would like a bit later on in my life.

"I won't rule anything out but at the moment, my head is focused on Atletico. For me, Van der Sar has been one of the best in the world in recent years."