The conclusion to the most protracted transfer in football may have finally arrived on Wednesday night.

After much speculation surrounding Real Madrid's interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea - he almost signed with them in 2015 - manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed De Gea will not play in the Europa League final against Ajax on May 24.

After United's 0-0 draw with Southampton on Wednesday night, the Portuguese was asked when would be the next time De Gea featured for United, to which Mourinho replied:

"I think the first match against LA Galaxy in pre-season in Los Angeles. I hope to play Joel against Crystal Palace and I hope to play Sergio in the final and hopefully we don't have problems with these two keepers.

"David is top in the world and obviously we want to keep the top [keeper] in the world."

The result of the final has wide ramifications for United. The winner is guaranteed qualification to next season's Champions League, and with United guaranteed to miss the Premier League top-four, it is make-or-break for their season.

It has also been reported that United could lose a large amount of money, believed to be around £50m, if they fail to defeat Ajax.

BBC reports that Adidas would trigger a £21m penalty clause in United's 10-year, £750m sponsorship deal should they miss out on Champions League qualification for a second season. Another £30million would go due to their absence in Europe's elite club competition next season.

The Old Trafford club's financial officer Cliff Baty has also proclaimed: "For us [United] the bigger prize is Adidas and Champions League."

With De Gea not confirmed to have picked up an injury, it begs the question, why has Mourinho decided to rest the 'top keeper in the world' for a match of such magnitude?