Fergie cools de Gea talk

David de Gea: Linked with a move to Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson has distanced himself from speculation Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign David de Gea from Atletico Madrid.

With Edwin van der Sar due to retire in the summer, Ferguson is in the hunt for a new number one keeper and De Gea has been heavily linked with United.

And reports have emerged in Spain claiming a transfer has already been agreed with Atletico for De Gea.

However, after watching his side book their place in the last four of the Champions League, Ferguson refused to give credence to the reports.

"On Italian television I am supposed to be signing two players from Italy tonight, so I can place that story along with those," he said.

"There is always speculation about who we are going to sign. So many people throw names at me. I can't answer it."

Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin also denied the claims last night, saying: "As of today, Atletico count on him for next season."

Instead, Ferguson confirmed he intends to fly to Germany to watch Schalke take on Inter Milan, with the winner set to meet United in the Champions League semi-final later this month.