Manchester, Sep 11 (IANS): Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea signed a four year contract with English Premier League (EPL) giants Manchester United on Friday with the option of extending it for another year.

The 24-year-old had joined the 'Red Devils' in 2011 and has made 175 appearances so far. He won the EPL in 2013 and has bagged two Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards.

"David de Gea has signed a new four-year contract at #mufc with an option to extend for a further year," United announced on their official Twitter handle.

"I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career. I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career.

"I'm looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful," de Gea was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

United manager Louis van Gaal welcomed the development. The Spanish international was heavily linked with a move to La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid, but the deal failed to materialise.

"I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football. I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come," van Gaal said.

"He is a popular player who is keen to learn and enhance his game. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, he has many years ahead of him," he added.