Manchester United have reportedly slapped a €130 million price tag on David De Gea in order to thwart the pursuit of Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, David De Gea remains the topmost priority for Real Madrid. But, Los Blancos’ hopes of signing the Spain number in the summer have been countered by a staggering €130 million price tag, placed on the goalkeeper by Manchester United.
De Gea has cemented his place as one of the best goalkeepers in the world by producing many an eye catching performances for Manchester United over the last half a decade. From a liability in goal to one of the best ever in club’s history, the journey truly has been remarkable.
He has been at his very best this season as well, leading the race to win the Premier League Golden Glove with 15 clean sheets so far. But, his remarkable progress at Manchester United has also brought forth interest from Real Madrid, who are in desperate search of a goalkeeper.
Keylor Navas is going through an extended spell of inconsistency, with the entire defensive unit becoming a bit of a liability for Los Blancos. The Costa Rican’s deputy is not considered good enough to take the mantle of becoming the Real Madrid number one by manager Zinedine Zidane, only coming in when Navas is injured.
300 games for @D_DeGea at United.
Since Premier League debut in 2011:
– 90 clean sheets, more than any other GK.
– 620 saves, more than any other GK.
– 74% save ratio, better than any other GK.
– 95 mins per goal conceded, better than any other GK.The best in the world. pic.twitter.com/XbdszGSLd5
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) February 6, 2018
The need for a goalkeeper is, thus, an urgent one for the Spanish and European champions. For a long time, Kepa Arrizabalaga looked set to become the next Real Madrid number one, but the La Liga heavyweights seem to have ended their pursuit of the Spanish youngster after he signed a renewal with Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid have now turned their attention back to De Gea, a goalkeeper they have been trying to sign for the last three summer windows now. But, Manchester United have a plan in place to ward off the club off their number one.
The Red Devils have let Real Madrid know that they will need to shell out a hefty €130 million transfer fee if they want to sign De Gea, despite the fact that there are less than 18 months left on his current deal.
Manchester United though, have already begun contract talks with the 27-year-old, and will offer him a mega deal with a considerable pay rise. The Premier League outfit are confident that De Gea will renew terms with them before the World Cup, which will only strengthen their position in the matter.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will not pay the asking price and are hoping that the Spaniard runs his contract down at Old Trafford to sign him for free.
But, it is believed that De Gea is happy and content at Manchester United, and is likely to put pen to paper on the new deal. It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid finally get their man in the summer, or if they are forced to set their sights elsewhere.
