David De Gea to Real Madrid: Manchester United goalkeeper to be targeted by Spanish giants again

The Spaniard signed a new contract at Old Trafford until 2019 in September but is likely to be subjected to yet more interest next summer as Real's transfer ban is suspended

(2016 Manchester United FC)

Manchester United are facing fresh anxiety over the future of David De Gea as reports this morning suggested Real Madrid are preparing to return for the Spaniard in the summer.

The two European giants locked horns in August after a deal to take the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper fell through at the final hurdle, with both clubs releasing statements online blaming the other for the breakdown.

Madrid have faced more recent problems in the transfer market, however, but have since had confirmation from the Fifa Appeal Committee that their two-window ban from registering new players has been suspended.

De Gea signed a new contract until 2019 with United following the saga but his exit appeared to have merely been delayed rather than averted with Real always likely to return.

Reports in the Sunday People suggest the La Liga giants are ready to test the water once more with new manager Zinedine Zidane and president Florentino Perez on the same page over the Spain international.

The report suggests Madrid are preparing a £23m bid and are planning to hand De Gea a £6.5m signing-on payment by way of an apology for their mishap-stricken pursuit of his services seven months ago.

Louis van Gaal, the United manager, is unlikely to be in charge when an offer comes in for his prized asset with speculation rife that the club's hierarchy are set to replace the Dutchman at the end of the current campaign.