Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on David De Gea and Lionel Messi Rumours

Rumours regarding a potential transfer of Manchester United's David De Gea are once again gaining steam, and according to AS' Manu Sainz, Los Blancos are already talking to the Spanish goalkeeper.

Sainz claims De Gea is "yearning" to return to Madrid and sees United's signing of Victor Valdes, via the club's official Twitter feed, as a clear sign the Red Devils are preparing for his exit:

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The goalkeeper believes that his time at Manchester United has now been completed and he yearns for Spain and La Liga (despite conflicting reports that have emerged in the last few hours about his contract renewal).

In fact, whenever he can he takes some time to come to Spain, as he did this week to enjoy a few days of rest that he had been given by Van Gaal. Those inside the English club know De Gea’s intentions. Therefore, they have hedged their bets by recruiting Víctor Valdes, who was presented as a new Manchester United player on Thursday.

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Those conflicting reports Sainz mentions come from England, where the Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman writes United are confident the 24-year-old will sign a new contract, with positive progress being made in the discussions.

Sainz isn't the only one who sees the signing of Valdes as a bad omen for De Gea's future at Old Trafford. Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Alex Dimond also believe United are getting ready for the possibility of losing their star stopper:

De Gea's contract runs out at the end of next season, but despite months of negotiations, he's yet to commit to the Premier League side long-term. Los Blancos are known admirers of the young Spain international and view him as a natural replacement for club legend Iker Casillas.

Where once it seemed almost impossible United would cash in on De Gea, the persistent stream of rumours coupled with his reluctance to sign a new deal have now changed the perception dramatically.

The Red Devils don't want to sell De Gea, who has emerged as one of the best stoppers in world football over the past two years, but they might not have a choice. Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst is already speculating about the possible arrival of Newcastle United's Tim Krul, a reported target for the club:

Players of De Gea's calibre usually don't come cheap, but with the risk of losing him on a free transfer in 2016, United may have to settle for far less than they'd like if he doesn't sign a new contract by summer.

One player who shouldn't move to the Bernabeu is Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, at least not according to Casillas. According to calculations by Rob Wilson of Sheffield Hallam University (h/t BBC Sport's Simon Stone), Los Blancos are one of just two clubs who could sign the Argentina international under Financial Fair Play regulations, with the other being Manchester United.

David Ramos/Getty Images

But in an interview with Marca's Arch Bell, Casillas said Messi would not join the Champions League holders if it were up to him:  "I would not sign him. We are very good with those of us here and accomplishing great things."

Messi's future has never been as murky as it is right now following a series of reported incidents between him and Blaugrana manager Luis Enrique, and the 27-year-old's biographer, Guillem Balague, told Bleacher Report it may force him to quit the club:

While one would assume Barcelona would choose to part ways with Enrique over losing Messi, a permanent split between the four-time Ballon d'Or winner and the Catalan giants seems closer than ever.

A transfer to the Spanish capital is unlikely, however. Former Barcelona greats have left for their arch-rivals before—remember Luis Figo, for instance—but Messi is the face of the Blaugrana, and his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo would make it difficult for the two to coexist.

Prying the Albiceleste star away from their hated rivals would be the ultimate transfer coup for Florentino Perez, but Barcelona would have to sink to an all-time low before even entertaining said notion.

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