Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid will return for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea and have already made contact with the Spanish international's entourage, according to reports in Spain.
Madrid-based sports daily Marca, a publication notoriously close to the Bernabeu club's hierarchy, are clear that "the goalkeeper knows of the interest and that the operation is underway."
They also claim that De Gea has a €65 million (£55.3m) release clause, a fee that Madrid would be apparently willing to pay.
Worryingly for Manchester United, when speaking to AS this week De Gea was non-committal when asked about his future at Old Trafford:
"The future, nobody knows. The future is the future. I'm very happy here, it's a great club. In England, football is enjoyed a lot.
"I’m not going to talk about [Real Madrid]. I‘m not going to talk about that subject now. I just have to keep focused on my club."
Manchester United, of course, have no desire to sell their number 1, and his long-term contract means that Madrid have little leverage in negotiations.
When, in 2015, Madrid successfully negotiated a deal for the 26-year-old it was amid the former Atletico goalkeeper refusing to sign a new contract that was running out shortly.
With De Gea now tied to the Old Trafford club until 2019, and United boasting an option to extend, Madrid would have to pay through the nose even if the player agitated for a return to the Spanish capital.
Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president, is the driving force behind the deal with coach Zinedine Zidane known to be happy with the performances of Keylor Navas - a popular dressing-room figure.
Perez, however, is determined to upgrade his goalkeeper and Marca also report that AC Milan starlet Gianluigi Donnarumma, 17, is an alternative should United refuse to play ball over De Gea.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments