Louis van Gaal has dropped the biggest hint yet that David de Gea could be on his way out of Manchester United, by revealing that the Spaniard will not be considered for selection this weekend.

De Gea has been repeatedly linked with a switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer, with just one year left to run on his current deal.

The 24-year-old was expected to feature against Tottenham Hotspur in the Red Devils' opening Premier League fixture, despite the ongoing speculation over his future, but Van Gaal claims that his star keeper will be left out of the squad.

"David shall not play so I don't have any concerns [about him not being ready]," the United boss told reporters. "I think about the human being more than the player and I don't think he can handle that."

De Gea's girlfriend suggested earlier this week that a move to Real Madrid was all but sealed.