Manchester - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the Premier League champions are close to signing Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea.

Speaking after Gary Neville's testimonial match on Tuesday night, the manager said: "We've been working on it (De Gea transfer) for quite a while. We identified him quite a while back as one we should go for.

"He's a young goalkeeper, very quick, good composure, presence and an outstanding replacement for (Edwin) van der Sar.

"We were looking for the same type of qualities as Edwin, because the one great quality Edwin always had was his composure and organisational ability.

"With David De Gea, he is very similar that way."

De Gea, 20, has already won the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup but is still waiting for a senior cap with Spain having played up to Under-21 level.

He was named in the provisional 30-man squad for last summer's Soccer World Cup but missed the cut when coach Vincente del Bosque reduced his list to 23 players.