Report: Manchester United exercise De Gea's 1-year contract option

David De Gea's future may be a hotly debated topic, but Manchester United are taking every step they can to keep the goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils triggered an option in De Gea's contract that extends his deal to 2020, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

It's only a stop-gap measure as United attempt to sign the Spain international to a new long-term deal, but it's still a step in the right direction. Now that De Gea is no longer out of contract at the end of the current season, other clubs cannot hold talks with him in January about a summer free transfer, nor can they potentially force United to accept a lowball offer.

Stone suggests De Gea is open to staying in Salford beyond next year, but that he and his representatives may want to see his wages on a par with United's highest-paid player, Alexis Sanchez.