ADVERTISEMENT

Doubts grow over De Gea move

Madrid are determined to bring the 28-year-old back to the Santiago Bernabeu

David De Gea

Real Madrid's hot pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has cast doubt over a possible move for Manchester United's David De Gea and the future of Keylor Navas, Goal understands.

The Spanish giants are ready to sanction the sale of club stalwart Iker Casillas to Porto and are now determined to acquire Casilla this summer to replace the Porto-bound World Cup winner.

Madrid still own 50 per cent of the 28-year-old former academy graduate's rights and the clause means that Rafael Benitez’s men will be forced to pay, at most, just half of his €20 million release fee.

The decision to make his recruitment a top priority means the board will either drop the pursuit of Manchester United's De Gea or sell Keylor Navas.

ADVERTISEMENT

Benitez and club executives have already told the Costa Rica international that they trust him, but are said to have reached an agreement with De Gea to sign him this summer should United eventually accept a bid.De Gea appeared destined for a return to the Spanish capital this summer but the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper's future appears less certain now that his current understudy Victor Valdes is in disucssions with Antalyaspor, according to the Turkish club. United are understood to have identified Ajax's Jasper Cillessen as a potential replacement for De Gea but are yet to make a formal move having been given renewed hope of keeping De Gea at Old Trafford.During a press conference to unveil new signing Memphis Depay on Friday, United Manager Louis van Gaal was at pains to point out De Gea's professionalism since returning to training this week, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future. He said: He [De Gea] is a very professional player and he showed fantastic attitude until now and I think that for all my players – not only De Gea but others who have to behave themselves very professionally.

"It is also good that Memphis does that. That is the difficulty now for every manager. This period when players have to go or not have to go is the most difficult time. I cannot complain about the professional attitude of my players.”

After seeing a €4m bid for Spain international Casilla rejected this week Madrid, meanwhile, are set to step up the chase by offering the same amount plus Marco Asensio on loan, though Espanyol are willing to settle for €6m and the 19-year-old winger.

Madrid will to travel to Australia on Sunday for their pre-season tour and Casillas is not expected to join them, with Navas the man expected to line up in the first team instead.

Source: goal.com

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT