adminReal Madrid target David De Gea flew into the city yesterday but insisted he was only there “to have some rest”.
Goal understands Manchester United are resigned to losing the goalkeeper and are now concentrating on negoitating the best deal possible for themselves before looking for a replacement.
United expect De Gea to attend the club’s first pre-season training session on Monday, with discussions over his exit with Madrid not expected to be rushed.
However, the 24-year-old has touched down in Madrid, only to insist to journalists he was there for a holiday as a fan is overheard saying “we are waiting for you in Madrid”.
“I am fine,” he told reporters at Madrid Barajas International Airport. “I have just come home to have some rest.”
The Spain international told United in early June that he would not sign the new €312,000-a-week contract offered by the club and informed them of his desire to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
De Gea has been the subject of a €28 million bid but United are hoping to hold out for closer to €45m despite the player having less than 12 months to run on his current contract. — Goal
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter