DAVID DE GEA could hold the key to Manchester United’s ambitions of landing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale in the summer.
The Spanish giants want Old Trafford’s outstanding keeper De Gea as a replacement for the long serving Iker Casillas.
Although United boss Louis van Gaal would be reluctant to lose De Gea, now regarded as one of the best stoppers in the world, he already has a ready-made replacement in former Barcelona star Victor Valdes.
And if it means sacrificing De Gea for a better chance of signing ambitious target Bale, then he is prepared to do it.
Sunday Express Sport has revealed Bale’s £80million arrival at the Theatre of Dreams has been discussed at the highest level within the club.
Van Gaal, who spent more than £150m last summer, is ready to buy big again at the end of the season with Bale, Borussia Dortmund’s World Cup-winning defender Mats Hummels and Roma’s Dutch midfield player Kevin Strootman in his sights.
The plan is also the reason why he is prepared to let the January transfer window go by with little or no activity – Van Gaal reluctant to depart from his wishlist for what he regards as inferior purchases.
United, though, are attempting to tie down De Gea, who only has 18 months to go on his contract, with a much-improved deal.
But that won’t prevent Real Madrid hardening their interest in the Spanish international in the knowledge that Bale could be an important bargaining tool.
Despite Bale’s happiness at the Bernabeu, it’s understood he would listen to overtures from United and so would Real Madrid.
