Real Madrid are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Manchester United contract rebel David de Gea upon the return of Zinedine Zidane.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Real Madrid have set their sights back on David de Gea upon the return of Zinedine Zidane at the helm at the Bernabeu. The Spanish goalkeeper is currently embroiled in a contract standoff with Manchester United, who have offered him a £350,000-a-week deal.
De Gea has well and truly gone on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world over his time at Manchester United, for whom he has perhaps become the single most valuable figure in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, wherein they have struggled considerably for consistency.
But, the lack of sustained success over the last six years has given way to constant speculation surrounding the Spanish international’s future at Old Trafford. In fact, De Gea very nearly had even called it quits at Manchester United back in the summer of 2015, before some late drama saw Real Madrid’s attempts being scuppered.
However, over the last four years, Los Blancos have not ceded interest in the 28-year-old, with Zinedine Zidane, in particular, being keen on him, as per the report. After the departure of the Frenchman last summer though, Real Madrid went on to sign Thibaut Courtois, who was the first-choice goalkeeper under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.
But, both Lopetegui and Solari failed to continue the club’s successful ways and have since been shown the door, with Zidane remarkably returning to the Real Madrid hot seat last week. And, on top of his agenda is to revitalise a stuttering squad that is in serious need of some refreshing, with Florentino Perez set to hand him a war chest for the upcoming transfer window.
To that end, Real Madrid have already acquired the services of FC Porto centre-back Eder Militao, who will make his way to the Bernabeu in the summer. And, the next player on Zidane’s wish list is Manchester United superstar De Gea.
The report claims that Zidane is not convinced by Thibaut Courtois, suggesting that the Belgian could be on his way out of the Spanish capital after just one year. In his stead, De Gea seems to be the priority to beef up the goalkeeping department, and the Manchester United custodian could be the long-term successor for Keylor Navas.
In order to secure his services, Real have reserved £75 million, which would make De Gea the costliest goalkeeper in the world. But, Manchester United might have a say in matters, as they remain in talks with the Spaniard over a bumper new deal worth £350,000-a-week.
In recent weeks, there had been suggestions that De Gea was ready to commit his future to United, but there are concerns that his head could be turned if Real Madrid come calling. For now though, the priority remains to tie him to a new deal, although it remains to be seen if he stays put at Old Trafford, amid interest from Los Blancos.
