Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has said he would welcome the chance to become club captain of the Premier League club.

The Spaniard is reportedly set to sign a new long-term deal with the Red Devils before the new season gets underway. De Gea, 28, has long been linked with a move away from Old Trafford but said he wanted to help the team return to the summit of English football.

United’s previous captain Antonio Valencia left at the end of last season and De Gea is one of several players in the frame to succeed the full-back. Ashley Young, Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba are also being considered and De Gea has put his name in the mix for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to consider.

“I’ve been captain for some games. Of course it is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge,” De Gea said.

“It’s amazing, so of course I’ll be really, really happy to captain. “It’s my ninth season, I feel like one of the most experienced players. We have to improve a lot. “We are Manchester United, we need to fight for trophies. When you put on this badge, that’s what it means – fight for everything, give your best and bring the team again to the top.”

Man United could only finish sixth last season after Solskjaer took the hotseat from Jose Mourinho in December, missing out on Champions League football.

Man United are 21.00 to win the Premier League next season, while they are 2.05 to finish in the top four.