Rest easy Manchester United fans…
It looks like David de Gea’s future might be at Old Trafford after all. The 24-year-old Real Madrid target has apparently not agreed any move to the European champions and has instead begun negotiations over a new contract, according to super-agent Jorge Mendes. (Daily Mail)
With De Gea slipping through their grasp, the Spanish giants have instead turned their attentions to another former Atletico goalkeeper, Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois. The 22-year-old Belgium stopper was on loan at Real’s derby rivals for the past three seasons before joining the Blues this term, helping Atletico beat Real to last year’s title. Florentino Perez will attempt to convince Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to part with his No.1 by offering France defender Raphael Varane as part of the deal. (Daily Star)
Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has reportedly ended his interest in Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman and his crocked knee, instead switching his focus to Roma team-mate Radja Nainggolan (below). The Frenchman is half-owned by Cagliari, but a combined offer of £30million would be enough to acquire the 26-year-old midfielder, who is also a target for Liverpool. (Express)
Ronald Koeman has already made some shrewd moves in the transfer market and the Southampton boss is targeting out-of-contract France striker Andre-Pierre Gignac as a summer acquisition. The 29-year-old has scored 14 times for Marseille this season but has refused to extend his stay at the club beyond this summer. (Mirror)
Finally, Dani Alves could be pricing himself out of a move to the Premier League. The Brazilian full-back’s contract at Barcelona runs out this summer and both Manchester clubs are keen to sign him, but the 31-year-old’s demands for a three-year deal paying £100,000 per week far outstrip the one-year offers the Manchester rivals are willing to make. (Sun)
