Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Real Madrid Exit Feared by Players

The possibility of David De Gea joining Real Madrid is starting to sink in at Manchester United, according to David McDonnell of the Mirror, who believes "sections" of the club's dressing room "fear" the goalkeeper will head toward the Spanish capital.

Some players are "convinced" De Gea won't be sticking around to help the club progress, according to McDonnell's report. There are no details as to exactly who has these concerns, but the story puts the prospect of the player's departure into the headlines—just in time for the summer.

De Gea has once again been one of United's standout performers this campaign, winning the club vital points throughout the season. Huge saves against the likes of Everton, Stoke City and Manchester City are proving their worth, with third-placed United currently sitting one point ahead of their local rivals.

Bogdan Maran/Associated Press

Madrid's goalkeeping problems have been well-documented over the past couple of years. Iker Casillas' performance level has dropped considerably, so much so the club's loyal servant was dropped for Diego Lopez before he moved to AC Milan.

Keylor Navas was brought in during the summer to offer Casillas some competition, but Carlo Ancelotti has maintained the Spaniard's appearances despite plenty of disappointing performances.

Casillas' reflexes have slowed, he isn't dominant in his box, and he's appeared to suffer with a lack of confidence, perhaps brought on by jeers from the Madrid crowd.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

McDonnell suggests De Gea could be sold for up to £50 million or included in a player-plus-cash swap for Gareth Bale, who has endured a difficult second season at the Bernabeu. Sky Sports' Guillem Balague recently discussed whether this agreement could become reality:

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There is a lot of pressure, which comes from Madrid, for Casillas to leave, so we are hearing "interested" leaks. I’m not saying De Gea will not come to Madrid, what I am saying is that I don’t think an agreement has been reached because De Gea wants to see what Casillas is doing.

Casillas says he wants to stay until 2017 which means De Gea would then have to make a decision. Does he want to be fighting for the place with Casillas or does he want to wait one more year until the end of his contract. Nothing has been decided yet.

"

Bleacher Report's Matteo Bonetti doesn't include the sale of De Gea in his discussion of how United can return to domestic success:

It has always seemed likely Madrid will eventually get their man, especially because De Gea has one year left on his contract and his girlfriend is based in the Spanish capital, per McDonnell.

United's progress under manager Louis van Gaal could prolong his stay—Champions League football will help the club's cause—but ultimately, this is a player who is capable of competing for all trophies in every season.

The reported rumblings of uncertainty from United players will surely be felt by fans who have stuck by De Gea since his troubled start in England. He remains one of United's most valuable stars, but as we previously saw with David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, the lure of Madrid often proves too strong.