Real Madrid Will Request David De Gea If Manchester United Pursue Gareth Bale

There’s been an intriguing development in Manchester United’s pursuit to buy Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.

The Red Devils are believed to be quietly confident that they can convince both Real Madrid and the Welsh winger to the transfer. However, it is set to cost them a hefty amount if they do lure Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.

According to the Mirror, rumors have now started to swirl that the Spanish giants will insist that any transfer fee that they agree to will also need to include Manchester United’s goalkeeper, David De Gea.

David De Gea is currently regarded as one of the best, and most improved, goalkeepers in the world.

The 24-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2011. And after a shaky first two seasons in England he has since adjusted expertly to the more physical conditions of the Premier League.

In fact, many soccer experts believe that the current resurgence of Louis Van Gaal’s side wouldn’t be quite as impressive without De Gea’s presence in goal.

Against the likes of Arsenal, Stoke City, Southampton, and Liverpool in recent months, David De Gea has made integral saves to keep United’s opponents at bay. Manchester United went on to win each of these contests, and without the Spaniard in goal they could easily have drawn or even lost them.

De Gea’s success at Manchester United has seen him overtake Iker Casillas, the former captain of the Spanish national team, as Spain’s number one goalkeeper. This has convinced many officials in the Spanish capital that he is the perfect shot-stopper to replace Casillas as Real Madrid’s number one, too.

However Manchester United will want to do everything in their power to convince De Gea to stay. They regard him as an integral member of their squad. Plus, it has taken them a number of years to find their ideal first choice goalkeeper, and they won’t want to spend even more money trying to find a replacement.

To add even more complication to the deal, De Gea’s current contract with Manchester United is set to expire in 18 months. This means that in January, 2016, if De Gea hasn’t signed a new contract with Manchester United, he can negotiate a free transfer to anywhere he desires for the following summer.

Manchester United will do everything in their power to keep hold of David De Gea. However they will also be well aware that having missed out on Gareth Bale back in the summer of 2013, when the Welsh winger decided to move to the Bernabeu, they won’t want to squander another opportunity to capture the prestigious talent.

Manchester United are still believed to be confident that they can capture Bale for around $160 million (£100 million). But if Real Madrid insists on including De Gea in the deal then they will have some serious thinking to do.

[Images via Stretford End; TF1]