Representatives from Manchester United and Real Madrid are in talks about a transfer that will see United goalkeeper David De Gea going to Madrid, with German midfield star Toni Kroos going in the opposite direction.
Although De Gea has not pressed for a United exit, Real Madrid are long time admirers of the shotstopper, and have been linked with the keeper for a couple of seasons now. This time though, they are ready to pressure United into releasing him, although United manager Jose Mourinho will only consider it if Kroos, or possibly Raphael Varane, is part of the deal.
United have just re-signed Argentinian second string keeper Sergio Romero to a contract extension, and it is felt that he would be a worthy replacement should De Gea leave, having done particularly well in United’s successful Europa League campaign, where he played in every match. United are also keeping tabs on Leicester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who would be keen to follow in his father’s footsteps and play in goal for United.
After a shaky start at United, De Gea has been in superb form across the last few seasons and has become one of the world’s leading goalkeepers, bracketed with Manual Neuer and Hugo Lloris. He arrived at United from Madrid, having established himself in the Atletico Madrid team and at 26, still has the best years of his career ahead of him. A move back to Spain will be of huge temptation to him, but only if United allow the approach – and Madrid are not in a position to make a cash only offer for him, so may have to consider the player(s) United want if they want to land their man.
DAVID DE GEA – MANCHESTER UNITED CAREER STATS
- Appearances : 200 (Premier League Only)
- Saves : 535
- Penalty Saves : 2
- Clean Sheets : 75
- Goals Conceded : 196
- Yellow Cards : 3
- Red Cards : 0
- Honours : 1 (Premier League Champions 2012/13)