David De Gea will not be part of the deal that brings Alvaro Morata to Man Utd

Reports in recent weeks have suggested Real Madrid could be open to a swap deal to bring De Gea to the Bernabeu.

The United star has been linked with a move to Real, the club he nearly joined in 2015 but for a late fax halting the switch.

The Red Devils have upped their interest in Morata since and are said to be closing in on the 24-year-old.

And according to the Independent, United are refusing to sell De Gea and will not not use him to land Morata.

Both teams are still in negotiations over a fee for the Spain striker, with Real holding out for £72m (€90m) this summer.

But The Independent say Jose Mourinho is not willing to give up his goalkeeper to secure the former Juventus hitman.

Morata would become Mourinho's second summer signing.

The United boss has already landed Benfica defender Victor Lindelof in a £30m deal.

Mourinho is desperate to make signings with Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season.