Various sources in both Spain and England have recently reported that Real Madrid are set to reignite their interest in former target and key Manchester United man David de Gea. The Spaniard came agonisingly close to a move to the Bernabeu in 2014 before the fax machine scuppered a big money return to Spain, and since then Madrid’s interest has cooled. Now, it seems that Jose Mourinho may have a fight against his former club on his hands once again should they come calling for the Spanish number one.
Do Real Madrid really want him?
It’s very, very likely. Zinedine Zidane has been reluctant to criticise current first choice Keylor Navas in public, but rumours suggest that behind the scenes, staff and directors are unconvinced that the Costa Rican is good enough to be a long-term first choice for the Spanish league leaders. De Gea has been a target for the club for years now and has been closely monitored since before he departed their city rivals Atletico.
Would Manchester United sell?
Not at all, and keeping hold of De Gea is reportedly one of Jose Mourinho’s top priorities. The decision may lie in whether the goalkeeper tries to force a move back to his home country, as he seemed happy to do in 2014. He now has a more important role at Old Trafford and is one of the team’s most valued players, but that is unlikely to be a massive influence if the European champions do come calling for him.
It’s very likely that Real Madrid will make a move to try to bring De Gea back to Spain this summer when their transfer ban is lifted. United will not welcome that and will do all they can to tie down their goalkeeper for the future, but it could be a tough task and may be beyond even the negotiating skills of Jose Mourinho.