David De Gea tells Manchester United he wants to join Real Madrid - report

The Spain international appears to be edging towards the Old Trafford exit

Monday 08 June 2015 16:42

David De Gea looks to be close to a move to Real Madrid

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David De Gea has reportedly done what Manchester United fans have been dreading - told the club he wants to join Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper has been weighing up the pros and cons of a switch to the Spanish giants and according to Goal.com, has reached a decision that will pave the way for his exit from Old Trafford.

The Spain international was in scintillating form last season, scooping the club's player of the year award and being widely recognised as the best stopper in the Premier League.

Whilst Manchester United want to keep him - after the final game of the season manager Louis van Gaal said "he will not leave us easily" - De Gea has just a year to run on his contract, making the club's position weak. The pull of a return to Madrid is also strong for the player, particularly considering it his girlfriend's residence.

Old Trafford officials must now decide whether to hold him until his contract expires next summer or collect a transfer fee that would recoup some or if not all of the £17.8m they paid Atletico Madrid in 2011. United could also use De Gea's sale to engineer a deal for one of Real Madrid's players, with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: David De Gea

The Manchester United goalkeeper is torn between his current club and a switch to Real Madrid. The Spanish side are understood to be increasingly confident he will join them.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Raheem Sterling

The Liverpool forward wants to leave Anfield this summer in search of trophies and there are few better places to find them than at the Bernabeu. Reports suggest Liverpool and Real Madrid will discuss a possible £45m deal later this month. Any aggressive move by Benitez could sour his relationship with Liverpool fans.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Paul Pogba

The most in-demand midfielder in Europe has helped take Juventus to the Champions League final, but if Real Madrid get their way, it could be the Frenchman's last game for the Italian giants. Real recently denied reports that they have already made a bid, but rumours continue.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Radamel Falcao

The Colombian endured a terrible season at Manchester United, but his record prior to Old Trafford can't be ignored. With Javier Hernandez's loan coming to an end, Real Madrid need a new striker and Falcao has the necessary reputation and something to prove.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Sergio Aguero

Real Madrid's top target would be Aguero, but it is nearly impossible to conceive Manchester City selling him. The Argentina international only signed a five-year contract last summer.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Cristiano Ronaldo

It's suggested that Benitez could look to build his team around Gareth Bale, an approach that would put Ronaldo's nose out of joint and potentially have him seeking a new club. There wouldn't be any shortage of suitors, with Manchester United arguably the likeliest destination.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Gareth Bale

The Wales international endured a difficult second season at Real Madrid and has persistently been linked with a return to the Premier League. How Benitez rates the world's most expensive player will be key to determining if he has a future at the Bernabeu.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Isco

The Spanish playmaker was impressive at Real Madrid last season, but due to the wealth of talent at the club found himself played out of position or needing to make an impact from the bench. The player is reportedly frustrated at the situation and a new club could be the way forward. Manchester City reportedly keen.

Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Iker Casilla

If De Gea arrives, Casillas' position will become difficult. The long-time Real Madrid number one has indicated he will stay whatever and compete with De Gea if he has to. But Benitez might decide that constant sparring between the two is not worth the hassle and move Casillas on. Arsenal have always shown interest.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Karim Benzema

The France international seems to be linked with a departure from the Bernabeu every summer, and this one is no different. Over six years at the Bernabeu the 27-year-old has been a consistent goal-getter. Arsenal regularly linked.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Raphael Varane

The 22-year-old has become a regular at the back since breaking into the team he joined in 2011. Considered among the best defenders in Europe and with his career ahead of him, the Frenchman is in demand and could potentially be sold to finance other deals. Manchester United and Chelsea are the clubs most consistently linked.

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Manchester United have Victor Valdes in reserve but should De Gea depart, a replacement would be sought. Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Chelsea's Petr Cech have been linked with the former expressing a desire to play in the Champions League over the weekend.

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