De Gea calm, relaxed despite transfer talks

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is "calm and relaxed" despite a "manic few days", his club and Spain international teammate Juan Mata said.

The 24-year-old goalie has not played for United this season in the English Premier League (EPL) because of interest from Spanish football giants Real Madrid, culminating in a failed deadline-day deal to sign him.

But Mata said De Gea is in the club's Champions League squad and was ready to play.

"His hunger and professionalism are intact. He seems the same as ever to me, calm and relaxed," Mata was quoted as saying by bbc.com.

"It's been a manic few days for him, he's my friend and I'm there for him for whatever he needs," said the 27-year-old, who is on international duty with De Gea for Spain's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovakia.

"Right now he's focused on the two upcoming games for the national team. Being here will do him good and he's going to be as professional as he has been throughout his career.

"His personality will help him. He manages to play even better in moments of maximum pressure and stress. His personality will help him on and off the pitch," Mata added.

United winger Ashley Young also praised the goalkeeper saying: "He (De Gea) is a professional player, always has been, always will be."