David De Gea has arguably been Manchester United's standout player ever since the end of the Alex Ferguson era.

While he becomes ever more indispensable for United, there have always been murmurings of interest from La Liga's giants.

We asked our European football correspondent Graham Hunter about that on Off The Ball tonight.

"I know from briefings that while they prioritise renewing him, while they are aware that there is a threat from Real Madrid and while my briefings tell that if there was an absolutely firm offer from Real Madrid, he might say yes, they want him to stay. They see him as their long-term No 1," said Graham, who said that a contract extension is on the table.

"The fact that it didn't come 5, 6, 7 months ago when De Gea watchers say it should have done, he was put in a slight holding pattern."  

Graham also touched on the looming figure of ex-Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes who has trained with Man United recently and what that means for De Gea should he sign for the club.

Graham also gave his take on the question marks over Lionel Messi's Barcelona future, as well as what Andres Iniesta's return from injury means for a Barca midfield still grasping for a lost identity.