Manchester United are prepared to offload David De Gea before the transfer window shuts, as Louis van Gaal’s patience over the goalkeeper snaps.
After enduring a difficult start to life in England following his £17million move from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011, the Spanish international has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and has twice been named as United’s Player of the Year. But with a year left on his contract and Real Madrid interested, his future has been in the balance for some time.
Initially the Reds had hoped to persuade De Gea to remain at Old Trafford and sign a new contract, but it has been widely accepted that the 24-year-old would relish the opportunity of a return to his homeland to play for the Bernabeu giants. United were prepared to consider such an option earlier this summer, but only on the provision that Real include Sergio Ramos as part of the deal.
Although the defender was thought to be interested in a move to Manchester, his employers have point blank refused to let the former Sevilla player leave and, as the window enters its final four weeks, it is now understood that he will instead sign a new contract. Such a development was expected to end speculation over De Gea, but on the contrary, he now seems closer than ever to a move.
After seeing his number one produce a less than impressive performance in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Paris Saint Germain last week, a clearly frustrated van Gaal said: “We have a situation that is not favourable for De Gea but neither for us and neither for the club that maybe he wants to go. Everybody can make mistakes but when a goalkeeper makes a mistake it is mostly a goal.”
Reports now suggest van Gaal has told the United board to get the best deal they can for De Gea, rather than let him leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in 12 months time. This is sure to result in Real resurrecting their interest in the former Vicente Calderon favourite, and they are still likely to baulk at the English club’s £25million valuation for a player they hope to land for around £15million.
Meanwhile, Angel Di Maria is on the brink of completing his exit from Old Trafford. The Argentina international struggled to settle following his club record £59.6million move from Real last summer, and has been flirting with Paris Saint Germain for some time. The French club have had an offer of £44million accepted for the winger, who should complete the deal this week.
