Manchester United are playing a waiting game on David de Gea's long-term future and the powers that be at Old Trafford are getting more nervous as the clock keeps ticking down.

De Gea is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and could conceivably sign a pre-contract with an overseas club in January to see him join them next summer on a free transfer.

Ole Gunnar Solskajer insists he remains ‘hopeful’ that de Gea will sign a new contract, but there are growing concerns over how long the contract stand-off is taking with a new deal being on the table for several months.

"I want David [De Gea] to stay here. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and we have seen that over the years," said Solskjaer in Friday’s press conference ahead of Leicester’s visit to Old Trafford.

"I hope I can make sure he will finish his career at the highest level with Man Utd. There have been loads of discussion between David and the club and hopefully we can get it done."

Those contract talks have dragged on for some time now and it has been suggested it has adversely affected de Gea’s performances on the pitch.

United will be determined not to lose the keeper, but the longer it goes on without de Gea putting pen to paper it puts all the pressure on United.

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De Gea in Control of Situation

De Gea is in a position of power due to his contract status and his position as undisputed No.1 goalkeeper at United and as a result he is no rush to make a definite decision on his future.

The Spaniard could run down his contract and have no shortage of suitors next summer on a free transfer, with the keeper likely to be one of the best free agents on the market.

De Gea also knows he can demand a big-money deal at United as he has proved over the last few seasons he is arguably the club's most important player.

The 28-year-old, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his time at Old Trafford and he will expect any new lucrative new deal to reflect that.

The decision on de Gea's future could depend on United's success on the pitch with the keeper unlikely to stick around Old Trafford if United are not playing regularly again in the Champions League and competing for the Premier League title.

Speculation continues to surround de Gea's future at United with the likes of Juventus, Paris Saint Germain and long-term suitors Real Madrid all reportedly eyeing moves for the goalkeeper on a free transfer when his current contract expires.

That speculation will only intensify during the season if de Gea does sign fresh terms on a new contract at Old Trafford and that speculation could prove to be an unwelcome distraction for everyone at United this campaign.