Jose in bid to keep De Gea

– Tying down David de Gea (above) on a long-term deal is a top priority for Jose Mourinho as he juggles the urgent need to turn around Manchester United’s fortunes with longer-term aims.

The club have activated a contract extension for the Spaniard, who joined them in 2011 and has won the United fans’ Player of the Year award in four of the past five seasons.

He will be in the side that Mourinho takes to struggling Southampton in the Premier League this weekend after another dazzling display in the Champions League against Young Boys.

United’s nervy 1-0 win against the Swiss side sealed a place in the knockout phase thanks partly to a wonder save from De Gea, but they are seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

For all of United’s well-publicised troubles with high-profile stars such as Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, the form of De Gea has been magnificent for the club.

That has seen reports resurface that he could be set for a move away from Old Trafford. –

Manchester