‘Manchester United must do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep David de Gea’, cult hero Andrei Kanchelskis tells talkSPORT

Andrei Kanchelskis believes Manchester United will be in big trouble if David de Gea leaves for Real Madrid, and has told the club to do whatever it takes to keep him this summer.

The United cult hero was speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast to preview Thursday’s Manchester derby - which you can hear EXCLUSVELY live on talkSPORT!

De Gea - a former Atletico player - has been strongly linked with a return to Madrid with Real over the past few seasons.

The Spanish giants see the 26-year-old as the natural successor to former long-term goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas and, having failed in their attempts to sign him last summer, they are expected to relaunch their pursuit in the upcoming transfer window.

Various reports in England and Spain claim they could offer one or a number of their squad players as makeweights in a possible deal, with the likes of James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Toni Kroos mentioned.

But Kanchelskis says United should resist the temptation and do everything in their power to ensure the world's best goalkeeper stays at Old Trafford.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the former United winger said: “After Peter Schmeichel, David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in Manchester United’s history.

“For me, it’s Peter Schmeichel number one, David de Gea number two. He’s one of the best they’ve ever had.

“If De Gea left, Manchester United would have a big, big problem.

“He’s an excellent goalkeeper. He plays a huge role for the team and the defence."

Asked if the club should pay the glovesman whatever he wants to ensure he stays at Old Trafford this summer, he added: “Oh yes, yes.

“It’s down to the club and the chairman.

“He’s the number one goalkeeper in the world, they HAVE to keep him.”

Listen to Andrei Kanchelskis’s Manchester derby preview IN FULL above!

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