Speculation of a move for David de Gea to Real Madrid continues to surface, two years on from the controversy that surrounded the collapse of the Spaniard's original move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

There's no secret of Los Blancos' desire for the Manchester United goalkeeper to replace their current number one, Keylor Navas, but as of yet no official approach has been made.

De Gea has gone from strength to strength in the Premier League since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and it's no wonder the Spanish giants are still circling.

Jose Mourinho is showing serious intentions of competing, once again, for the Premier League title with his activity in the transfer market which may well convince De Gea to stay put.

The United shot-stopper's girlfriend is understood to still live in Madrid, helping to further heighten speculation of a return to the Spanish capital. But United are confident he will stay put.

The Red Devils return to the Champions League this season after winning the Europa League, and with the acquisitions of Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku it's hard to see United not challenging for the title next campaign.

But United's ambitious targets for next season under Mourinho are not the only reason why the club are confident De Gea will still be at Old Trafford come the start of the season.

United believe Real can't afford De Gea

Per ESPN, the Red Devils believe Real Madrid can't afford to buy David De Gea without selling their unwanted stars and could even breach Financial Fair Play rules.

As one of the richest football clubs on the planet, it's astonishing that United are led to believe that Los Blancos are unable to fund a move for one of their long-term targets.

But given their stance on two players already this transfer window, the Red Devils may have a point.

Los Blancos fail to sell outcasts

United, themselves, were left outpriced by Real's €90 million demands for Alvaro Morata, before making a move for Romelu Lukaku instead. While the Spanish giants failed to sell James Rodriguez.

Instead, Real agreed a two-year loan deal with Bayern Munich, instead of reaching an agreement with United or Chelsea - two of the Colombian's suitors.

United are aware that Real's huge wage bill will force them to sell before making a big signing like De Gea, and are comforted by the fact the Spaniard is now far more settled in Manchester since Louis Van Gaal's departure last year.