With the summer transfer window approaching, rumours that Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea could well be on his way to Real Madrid are gathering pace.

With Santiago Bernabeu legend Iker Casillas not the force he once was and United’s Spaniard originating from Madrid, it is an understandable link.

De Gea’s current deal at Old Trafford is running down and as such, if the current European champions come knocking, Louis van Gaal’s men could consider selling their number one.

The search for a replacement will surely be deployed quickly, with De Gea leaving big gloves to fill.

Should the former Atletico Madrid man return to La Liga, here are three goalkeepers that could well be in the running to become United’s next custodian.

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Hugo Lloris

Tottenham Hotspur v Queens Park Rangers - Barclays Premier League

The British press have consistently mentioned the Tottenham stopper as a potential target for United - and for good reason.

The France international captain has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent stoppers and has dazzled the White Hart Lane crowd with his unparalleled shot-stopping abilities.

With Spurs missing out on the Champions League again this season, Lloris will surely have one eye on an exit from North London and is more than good enough to play for a club of United’s stature.

Jasper Cillessen

Jasper Cillessen

United have already announced the signature of one of the Eredivisie’s most able players, Memphis Depay, and should De Gea leave this summer they may well be tempted to dip into Dutch football’s top flight once more.

Louis van Gaal knows the Ajax stopper well from their shared time with the Netherlands international set-up, with the United boss instating Cillessen as the Oranje’s number one at the World Cup last summer.

Cillessen continues to pose as a reliable pair of hands between the sticks for the Amsterdam Arena outfit and is more than ready for a move to one of Europe’s major leagues.

With the link to Van Gaal obvious, the Dutchman could well be a fitting replacement for De Gea.

Victor Valdes

Victor Valdes 1

Having a six-time La Liga and three-time Champions League winner on the bench is generally not something that happens at most clubs - in Victor Valdes United have a ready-made replacement for De Gea.

The signature of the former Barcelona stalwart could well be seen as pre-emptive by the Old Trafford side, as the grave inevitability of De Gea returning to the Spanish capital raised its ugly head.

The veteran has returned from serious injury and not played much football of late, but his calibre, track record and ability speak volumes.

Although the first reaction if De Gea does leave will be to go to the transfer market, United would be advised to look in-house and give Valdes a chance.

Still only 33, the vastly successful custodian could well be an excellent option as the Manchester club’s first choice next season.