According to a respected Spanish journalist, David De Gea’s long-awaited transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid is close to being confirmed.
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Manchester United transfer news
Joseba Larranaga, speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena COPA [via the Daily Star] has confirmed that Spain international is set to be confirmed as Rafael Benitez’s first confirmed transfer at the Bernabeu.
“The first signing with Benitez will be De Gea,” began Larranaga.
“The goalkeeper has reached an agreement with Real Madrid, although [negotiating] it is something difficult with Manchester United.”
De Gea was one of the Red Devils’ key men during Louis van Gaal’s maiden campaign, saving his teammates on numerous occasions with his sublime reflexes and magnificent aerial ability.
However, over the final few weeks of the campaign, the question of his potential departure from the club has become increasingly pressing, with van Gaal confirming in a press conference that it would be difficult to keep hold of the international stopper should Real Madrid come calling [via the Metro].
Merengues president Florentino Perez decided to sack Champions League-winning coach Ancelotti earlier this week following the coach’s inability to either win the La Liga title or retain the European Cup [via BBC Sport].
Rafael Benitez has left his position at Napoli and is expected to be appointed as the club’s coach imminently according to BBC Sport.
However, despite the upheaval in the hotseat, it looks like Real’s transfer plans are continuing at full pelt, with De Gea looking likely to become the latest addition to the club’s glittering squad.
Should the former Atletico Madrid stopper leave Old Trafford, van Gaal will need to consider whether he replaces the goalkeeper or places his faith in current backup stopper Victor Valdes.
Club legend Paul Scholes has urged the Dutch coach to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech [via the Independent], while the Daily Mail have reported that Netherlands stopper Jasper Cillessen is also being considered by the Old Trafford outfit.