Real Madrid Transfer News: Fresh Rumours on Important January Deals

A complicated transfer saga is emerging at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid's interest in David de Gea continues to escalate and talk of Gareth Bale's part in the deal intensifies.

According to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t Mirror), Manchester United are willing to lose De Gea to Real Madrid if it means Bale comes in the opposite direction, with the transfer potentially reaching a value of £100 million.

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Although the stock of Manchester United's defence is at something of a low, their No. 1 has never been in finer form, rescuing points for the club single-handedly this season.

The two parties are currently engaged in talks to extend De Gea's deal, but as Bates mentioned, the stopper may wait until season's end to examine his prospects. Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez feels United should make their goalkeeper an offer he can't refuse:

Such is the rise in De Gea's reputation over recent years, but with that evolution has come intensified interest from Madrid and the promise of a return to his home city.

Bale, on the other hand, is a controversial figure at the Bernabeu of late following accusations of greed on the pitch and fervent debate as to whether he deserves to start in front of players like Isco.

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

With Iker Casillas' worth to the club in question, it makes sense that an elite goalkeeper might be valued above attacking talent right now.

Florentino Perez was a huge backer in the £85 million bid that brought Bale to the Bernabeu and was quoted by Goal.com's Ben Hayward as giving the winger his full support, saying: "Bale has said he is delighted to be at Real Madrid. And Real Madrid are delighted to have him."

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However, the question right now is whether or not the club might be more delighted to have a player like De Gea guarding their gate.

Bale, too, would undoubtedly be cautious about United's future, waiting to see if Louis van Gaal can steer the club back into the Champions League before properly analysing a potential switch back to the Premier League.

Spanish newspaper SPORT suggested the Welshman has faced jibes of late relating to acts of alleged selfishness on the pitch, but AS added just how there's evidence to fight such claims:

Former Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes recently signed an 18-month contract at Old Trafford, bringing a wealth of experience to the understudy role—although he undoubtedly has his eyes set on the starting jersey.

Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond believes his arrival could mean De Gea's exit is nigh:

At present, it's extremely difficult to decipher all the moving parts in the potentially groundbreaking move, which would again see Bale move as a component in one of football's most-expensive ever transfers.

However, one can bet De Gea's future will remain in some doubt until a new deal is signed, with Bale looking likely to be the main sweetener thrown in if he is to complete a Madrid comeback.