Real Madrid are lining up Manchester United’s David de Gea as a long-term replacement for Spanish legend Iker Casillas – despite him coming through the ranks at city rivals Atletico.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has established himself as one of United’s most consistent performers since a tough first season with the club, but Spanish newspapers are linking De Gea with a return to his homeland.
The reports come days after Cristiano Ronaldo’s proposed move the other way was denied.
De Gea excelled in the Red Devils’ last fixture with three outstanding saves to deny Everton an equaliser in the 2-1 home win before admitting that his difficult adjustment period in 2011 caused him to consider leaving.
Madrid’s current number one, Casillas, is under increasing pressure following a series of high profile errors in the past year.
His latest, a howler to concede the winning goal in Spain’s 2-1 loss to Slovenia, saw De Gea replace the 33-year-old for yesterday’s 4-0 defeat of Luxembourg.
Now Spanish paper Marca are reporting that a £25million bid from Madrid could be enough to lure De Gea back to Spain with his current United contract due to run out in 2016.
However, a return to the Spanish capital could spark controversy for De Gea who began his career with Real Madrid’s local rivals Atletico Madrid.
United’s number one joined Atletico aged ten, spending a decade with the club and forming part of the team that broke their barren trophyless streak by beating Fulham 2-1 to win the 2010 UEFA Europa League.
But the Old Trafford hierarchy are unlikely to want to see De Gea depart after he was named the side’s player of the season last year as they toiled to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
Image courtesy of BT Sport via YouTube with thanks
