Real Madrid chief rules out signing De Gea in January

Spanish football giants Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez on Thursday ruled out signing Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in the January transfer window, hinting that he expects the Spanish international to sign a new deal with the English Premier League (EPL) heavyweights.

De Gea has not started any of United's six matches this season and was set to move to Madrid, only for the deal to dramatically collapse on deadline day on August 31 and Perez has now ruled out making another move when the window reopens.

"No definitely not. We are not contemplating that he comes next year," Perez was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk.

"He is there and we have three very good goalkeepers. We have not told him not to sign (a new deal). He has to do what is best for his career. It's very difficult that he does nothing for a year. When people say: 'wait for a year and then he comes free' that has never happened with any big player."

Perez rejected claims that the club must pay a penalty to the player for not signing him this season.

"It's not true. Every day something new comes out and we don't have to deny everything but these things come out and people believe them to be true."

The 68-year-old also said winger Gareth Bale was not for sale despite rumours linking the Welshman to United.

"He grew up as a Madrid fan and he wants to be here. He has incredible belief in his own ability. He will not leave," he added.

The Madrid chief had praise for English champions Chelsea's coach Jose Mourinho saying: "He got us back to where we belonged playing in three Champions League semi-finals. Now we have the best coach we can have in Rafa Benitez and a spectacular team."