da gbg bet： The David De Gea to Real Madrid saga has gathered pace since the turn of the year. The goalkeeper proved instrumental in Manchester United securing Champions League football, while long-time Bernabeu number one Iker Casillas’ stock has continued to fall.
da stake casino： The reality is, though, that we are only in June and talk of a potential deal between the two European heavyweights is likely to rumble right through the summer window.
Although Louis Van Gaal will be angry to lose his prized ‘keeper, he is shrewd enough to realise that he will be powerless to prevent it, if the player really wants to leave.
The Old Trafford hierarchy may therefore turn their attention to Madrid’s squad for possible player swaps.
Talk of Gareth Bale wanting out has recently cooled so what are the other options for United within the ranks of Los Merengues?
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Karim Benzema
Benzema has been intermittently linked with the exit door over his last few seasons in the Spanish capital, more so when he was forced to play second fiddle to Gonzalo Higuain.
The Frenchman was a regular fixture in the Madrid attack last term though and should remain so unless new boss Rafa Benitez looks to bring in a new forward. The former Lyon man has four years remaining on his contract and at only 27 years old represents a player in his prime, making him a valuable asset to his current employers.
He has been at the Bernabeu since 2009 and has added every possible major honour to his CV during that time.
It is possible he could look to a fresh challenge in England if United were interested. A poor goal return from a formidable looking forward line last season, means Van Gaal is keen to capture a new number nine.
A great goal scoring record in both France and Spain, superb movement and an imposing physique make Benzema a prime target.
Iker Casillas
While in principle it seems obvious, the possibility of Casillas moving to Manchester as part of a ‘keeper for keeper’ deal has been barely discussed.
There are a variety of reasons why; first and foremost is that while the veteran custodian is a club legend and one of the most decorated players in history, it seems his career is winding down.
The general view is that the 34 year old has been in decline since his once guaranteed first-team status was first called into question by Jose Mourinho during the 2012-13 season.
Since then, the 162-cap man has overcome a serious injury and regained the number 1 jersey, but has never quite recovered the form of his golden years.
Madrid fans with short memories have turned on their captain of late as they impatiently seek to usher De Gea onto his throne.
Casillas could yet prove the doubters wrong and continue at the top of the game for another few seasons but whether Louis Van Gaal would be convinced he is a better option than fellow ageing Spaniard, and current United reserve stopper, Victor Valdes, remains to be seen.
Sergio Ramos
In recent days an exchange involving Ramos has become the most likely. Like Casillas, the versatile defender has become an iconic figure for the Spanish giants over the last decade.
Speculation about a possible switch to Old Trafford though, has gathered pace as the former Sevilla man remains at loggerheads with Madrid bosses over a potential contract extension.
It is also widely assumed that United are in the market for a commanding centre back to bolster a defence that needed to be rescued by De Gea on too many occasions last term.
Surely now would be the time for Red Devils’ chiefs to act in order to secure the services of a player who has won everything in the game.
The Spaniard is vastly experienced and at 29 years old remains a superb athlete. He has also mellowed somewhat in recent years and while he retains his combative edge, is no longer so prone to red cards.
United’s first priority will be to keep De Gea but securing a defender of Ramos’ profile as part of any deal would be a good alternative.