David de Gea turns down shock Premier League return with side currently in the bottom half

David de Gea turned down the chance to join a Premier League club in January, according to a report.

De Gea is still without a club following his Manchester United release last summer.

His association with the Old Trafford outfit came to an end after 12 years at the club.

The 33-year-old has since been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Pro League sides thought to be keen on acquiring his services.

A transfer to the Middle East has yet to materialise, with the veteran goalkeeper rejecting an approach from a Premier League team during the January transfer window.

According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest attempted to sign the former Man United player.

Forest tried to persuade De Gea that there could be value in playing regular football between now and the end of the season.

However, he declined the club's 'short-term' offer.

Forest also contacted Arsenal over the availability of Aaron Ramsdale, who has lost his No.1 spot to David Raya, before eventually bringing in Belgium's Matz Sels through the doors at the City Ground.

The 31-year-old moved from Strasbourg in a deal worth £5.1 million, penning a three-and-a-half-year deal on deadline day.

Nuno Espirito Santo now has goalkeepers Matt Turner, Wayne Hennessey, Odysseas Vlachodimos and, of course, Sels at his disposal.

De Gea, who has also been linked with a move to Newcastle United, remains a free agent and can still secure a new club despite the transfer window slamming shut last night.

The Spaniard played 545 games in all competitions for the Red Devils and helped his old side win the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League during his impressive spell at the club.

He has also been capped 45 times by Spain as his search for a new club continues.