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Football

28th Dec 2015

Manchester United face test of resolve ahead of world record bid for David de Gea

Buffon's record could be broken

Kevin McGillicuddy

Real Madrid were frustrated last summer in their attempt to sign David de Gea.

But it seems that whatever happens in 2016, they will not be caught for cash in trying to get the netminder to Spain.

The transfer window closed in August in farcical scenes as technology and versions of Windows 95 were blamed for the failure of key documents to be signed and returned between both clubs.

De Gea subsequently ended up signing a new deal at Old Trafford just days later, but much like Luis Suarez signing a similar contract six months before he left Liverpool for Barcelona, that deal probably doesn’t count for a lot.

De Gea has been one of the few bright spots for the Old Trafford faithful this season, but Real Madrid, and Rafa Benitez, are desperate for him to play in La Liga and are preparing a £40million bid.

If that deal did happen the money exchanged would eclipse the current world record fee for a ‘keeper held by Gigi Buffon at £32milion.

According to the Daily Star  the club have no intention of trying to lure him mid-season, but will strike for a deal in early summer.

A  fee of just under £30million had been agreed last autumn before the deal fell though, with Madrid determined to outbid any other rivals for the netminder with De Gea’s release clause believed to be in excess of £36million.

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