De Gea has stalled on signing on a £200,000-a-week contract from United, in the knowledge Real are waiting to take him to the Bernabeu.
Despite that, Van Gaal said be believes De Gea, 24, will eventually decide to commit his immediate future to United by agreeing to the contract extension.
Asked if Victor Valdes, United's current No.2, has what it takes to fill the void should De Gea leave, Van Gaal said: “First we have to see if David De Gea is leaving, then we shall talk about other things.
“But I still believe David will stay. And I want to play him against Hull, because I want to play my strongest team. And I think my strongest team must include David.”
De Gea came off towards the end of United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend with a hamstring injury but trained today and is in contention for Sunday's final game of the season at Hull.
Van Gaal also said the decision not to let Luke Shaw play for England Under-21s this summer was the right one for the defender, whose debut season has been blighted by injuries.
Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate was vague about the reason for Shaw not playing this summer, but Van Gaal said the collective decision was made in the best interests of the 19-year-old.
“I don't think we have to say everything,” said Van Gaal. “It is a medical question. I have spoken already with Roy Hodgson two months ago, when there was an international break.
“Then, Luke Shaw was also invited [to play for the England team]. Then I convinced Roy not to take him, and now I have spoken with Gareth Southgate and I have convinced him too.
“Also my doctor has convinced the Under-21 doctor. I have read I am the winner but that is not like that. The winner is Luke Shaw.
“Luke Shaw is a great talent. It was maybe too much this step from Southampton to United and we have to protect that and develop him to the great talent.
“Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate and the medical department of FA and Manchester United and the manager are agreed, and that we have to protect him and he can develop himself.
“We shall take benefit of that, but the winner is Shaw.”
Van Gaal also insisted United will do all they can to beat Hull on Sunday, despite the fact that would see former Old Trafford defender Steve Bruce's side relegated.
“In spite of the fact their manager is a Manchester United old boy, we have to win,” said Van Gaal. “It is very difficult for us to win away, but we will try to do our utmost best.”
Van Gaal said he is also talking to players, including De Gea, about their futures over the next few days, before the season ends.
Van Gaal said:“I shall talk with them maybe tomorrow. We have a farewell drink after the match. I have the Monday to talk, and I already have this week to talk. You have to wait and see how these talks develops in straying or going away.”
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