David de Gea spotted training at English non-league club

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been keeping himself fit by using facilities belonging to National League club Altrincham, hinting he could soon return to football.

De Gea left Old Trafford as a free agent last summer after contract talks failed to yield a new deal, remaining without a club ever since as he weighs up his next move.

The former Spain No.1, still only 33 and arguably in the peak years for a goalkeeper's career, has now spent close to a year out of the professional game.

De Gea has continued training throughout that time. On Friday night, he posted a video on Instagram as he was put to work on a routine testing his reflexes and handling.

It was filmed at Altrincham's J. Davidson Stadium and shared to his 15.5m followers with the caption: «We remember. We rebuild. We come back stronger.»

Earlier in the week, an Instagram story that has since expired showed similar training exercises and a graphic that read, 'Loading'.

Fifth tier Altrincham have been non-league throughout their 133-year history, most famous for an FA Cup record of 17 giant-killings against football league sides. But the Robins are in just their second ever season as a professional outfit and will imminently contest the National League play-offs.

A post shared by David De Gea (@d_degeaofficial)

There is no suggestion that De Gea is about to join what was actually his local club during 12 years as a United player after making his home in the affluent south Manchester town. But the wording of the caption, as well as the video being set to AC/DC's at least hinted at a long-awaited return to football in some capacity in the relatively near future.

During the past ten months, De Gea has repeatedly resisted interest from the Saudi Pro