It was learnt that the shot stopper had reached an agreement with the La Liga giants for a deal worth around £4million a year after tax and believed to be within the duration of five and six years.
The only missing link to the deal is for United and Madrid to agree a fee for the player, which could be up to £30m.
De Gea was pictured on a flight to Madrid earlier this week as he took some time off, leading to reports that he was in fact on his way to sign for Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal is targeting a move for Petr Cech after claims that David de Gea will join Real Madrid this summer.
The Manchester United manager admits he is already preparing for life without Spanish goalkeeper.
