Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea rejected a sensational January return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, according to a new report.
The Spanish shot-stopper has been without a club since ending his 12-year stay at Old Trafford at the end of the last season and has been linked with moves to Newcastle United and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
According to The Athletic, the 33-year-old was offered the chance to move to the City Ground on a short-term deal towards the end of the mid-season window, described as an ideal opportunity to put himself in the "shop window".
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However, it is claimed De Gea, who has been capped 45 times by Spain to date, was "not moved" by the idea of joining Nuno Espirito Santo's side - who sit 16th in the table and were recently referred to an Independent Commission for alleged breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
De Gea struggled during his final season at Old Trafford, conceding six goals at the Etihad and seven at Anfield as Erik ten Hag's side were embarrassed at the homes of their fiercest rivals.
He did, though, look set to sign a new deal at United on reduced terms, but his exit was eventually confirmed in July, with the player writing on Instagram: "I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters.
"I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We've achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.
"I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt. To lead the team, to represent this institution - the biggest club in the world - was an honour only bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.
"Now it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.
"It's been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn't think, from leaving Madrid as a young boy, we would achieve what we did together.
"Manchester will always be in my heart. Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We've seen it all."
De Gea was replaced by Andre Onana, who was signed for a deal worth £47.5 million from Inter Milan. However, the Cameroon international has struggled to live up to expectations in his debut season at Old Trafford.
