According to reports, Manchester United are planning to offer David De Gea a bumper contract in order to fend off interest from Real Madrid while also signing Victor Valdes as a back-up option at Old Trafford.
David De Gea has been Manchester Uniteda s most important player ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club and has already established himself under Van Gaal following a string of strong performances. But with just 18 months left on his contract, Manchester United are desperate to tie down the Spaniard at Old Trafford with a bumper contract offer.
According to reports, Ed Woodward has spoken to Mendes, De Geaa s agent, regarding the situation and that both the player and the club are interested in signing a new contract. However, as reported earlier, David De Gea has also been identified by Real Madrid as a replacement for Iker Casillas who has not been the force he once was at Madrid. During Mourinhoa s reign, Casillas lost his starting position to Diego Lopez, a situation that continued under Carlo Ancelotti. But having got back to the starting eleven this season, it seems that Casillas does not have long to stay at Santiago Bernabeu.
David De Gea on the other hand is just 24 years old and has already established himself as one of the best goal-keepers in Europe. He is due to take over the reins for Spanish national team from Casillas and many believe that Real Madrid want him to do the same at Santiago Bernabeu. On top of this, David De Geaa s agent Mendes is on excellent terms with Florentino Perez and has reportedly promised the President that he will bring De Gea to Madrid.
Manchester United have also decided to add to their goal-keeping options and are reportedly on the verge off offering Victor Valdes an 18 month contract. Valdes left Barcelona after suffering an injury and has been training with United under Van Gaal. The goal-keeper also made his debut for Barcelona under Van Gaal and is reportedly on very good terms with the manager and Frans Hoek who is the goal-keeping coach at Old Trafford. Hence it is quite clear that Valdes is not going to be a quiet bench-warmer at Manchester United and is expected to fight De Gea for a starting positing.
Many also believe that Valdes is being brought to Manchester United as David De Gea is expected to leave for Real Madrid sooner or later. The Spaniard, though reportedly happy at Manchester, is likely to cave in to Madrida s offer and will return to his hometown in Madrid. According to reports however, De Gea is not very keen to move to Real Madrid due to the intense scrutiny that players are subjected to at Madrid and Barcelona. He is well-settled at Manchester but the fact that Valdes will soon be challenging him might make De Gea reconsider his future.
THT Verdict
David De Gea is at a stage in his career where he will be wanted by almost every club in Europe. At 24, the Spaniard is playing brilliant football and is still far from hitting his peak. Manchester United will undoubtedly look to tie him up with a new contract, preferably one with a high release contract. However De Gea might look to Real Madrid who will want to sign the Spaniard in the coming years. The fact that Valdes is due to sign for United is unlikely to affect De Geaa s position if he can continue to perform at his usual level. At 32, Valdes will not be considered as a long time replacement but he is definitely not coming to Manchester United as bench-warmer. Hence a situation might arise when Van Gaal will have to make a decision and it is that decision which will shape De Geaa s future and his links with Real Madrid.