David De Gea to Real Madrid: Manchester United will refuse move if Spanish side do not let Sergio Ramos move to Old Trafford

Real are determined to land the goalkeeper but do not want to lose the Spanish defender

Sergio Ramos and David De Gea (GETTY IMAGES)

David De Gea is set to return to Manchester United training on Monday as the squad report back for pre-season, despite his possible move to Real Madrid remaining in the balance.

According to The Guardian, that move may hinge on one condition – Real’s willingness to let Sergio Ramos move in the opposite direction – and if the Spanish club fail to meet it then they will force to goalkeeper to see out the final year on his contract.

With United set to depart on their pre-season tour of the United States on 13 July, De Gea looks like he will still be a United player when Louis van Gaal’s squad play their four friendlies across the pond.

His arrival in Madrid earlier this week sparked suggestions that a deal had been reached and that he was on his way to discuss personal terms, but he instantly dismissed the rumours and said he was only in the Spanish capital top relax.

Real Madrid want to sign De Gea (Getty Images)

It’s added that United are not afraid of Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of players that they set their sights on, having bullied their way to moves for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in recent years, and will refuse to budge if Real do not meet their own demands this summer.

Despite taking the firm approach, it leaves the club open to the possibility of seeing De Gea leave next summer on a free transfer.

Real are yet to make an official offer for the Spanish No 1, but their perceived valuation of £12.7m was not received well by United officials, who originally valued the 24-year-old at £35m. In contrast, United have already seen a £28.5m bid for Ramos rejected by their Spanish opponents, and look certain to make an improved offer in an attempt to sign the unsettled defender.