Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas (Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's pursuit of Manchester United'sDavid De Gea is having a detrimental effect on Keylor Navas, with the current first choice goalkeeper aware that he will be surplus to requirements if the Spaniard arrives this summer.
Navas is currently Rafa Benitez’s first choice at the Santiago Bernabeu following the summer departure of club legend Iker Casillas, with new arrival Kiko Casilla set to deputise this season. However, Spanish newspaper Marca have revealed that Navas is deeply unhappy with his role in the side, as he is set to be transfer listed immediately should Real land their top target before the 1 September deadline.
With De Gea currently exiled from the United first team and having to watch matches from the Old Trafford directors’ box, the prospect of a transfer appears more likely than not, though both United and Real are continuing to play hardball over their respective valuation of the 24-year-old.
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Navas starred for Costa Rica at last year’s World Cup, but made only six La Liga appearances last season with Casillas preferred under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
But Navas is now set for a more prominent role this season providing De Gea remains at United, and has conceded just three goals in his six pre-season appearances for Real ahead of the league-opening match against Sporting Gijon this Sunday.
Navas could be offered to United in a swap deal for De Gea (Getty Images)
There remains the possibility of Navas heading to Old Trafford to replace De Gea as part of a swap deal, and with current United first choice Sergio Romero yet to convince that he is the answer to fill De Gea’s position, Van Gaal may choose to explore that possibility.
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