Real Madrid hope to make a huge step in their pursuit of David De Gea next week by lodging a formal bid with Manchester United for their goalkeeper.
Despite a difficult start to life in England upon his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011, the Spaniard has established himself as not just one of the best number one’s in the Premier League, but in world football. It is no surprise, then, that Real are interesting in returning him to his homeland as they seek to replace their legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas ahead of the new season.
The Reds are desperate to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but it looks increasingly like they are fighting a losing battle. It is understood that De Gea is keen to return to the capital, and with just one year remaining on his contract, his current employers know they would be better off trying to make a profit on their £17million outlay rather than let him leave for nothing next summer.
De Gea is currently on international duty with Spain, when he will hope to add to his existing tally of four caps, but The Telegraph claim Los Blancos will make their first move to secure his services as early as next week. Louis van Vaal, the United boss, has already drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements, which include Chelsea’s Petr Cech and Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris.
It has also been widely reported that the Old Trafford club could ask Real for Karim Benzema as part of the deal for De Gea. With Radamel Falcao returning to Monaco following his disappointing loan spell and Robin van Persie also possibly on his way out of the club, the Manchester club need attacking reinforcements although the France international may be out of their reach.
