Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest David De Gea and Matteo Darmian Rumours

David de Gea was spotted on a flight to the Spanish capital on Monday, fueling rumours he is set to join Real Madrid in the summer.

According to James Dickenson of the Express, the Spain international (pictured below, h/t OldTraffordFaithful) flew from Liverpool to Madrid after Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gave his players a holiday following their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. 

Former Real goalkeeper Augustin Rodriguez believes current No. 1 Iker Casillas is "certain" to leave the Bernabeu in the summer, per Marca, which could open the door for De Gea's arrival.

The Independent's Konstantinos Lianos hints on Twitter there could be a straight swap between De Gea and Casillas:

However, ahead of Los Blancos' Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted he is happy with the 33-year-old.

Per Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, he said: "He’s repeated many times that he wants to stay here, he has the confidence of everyone, the coach, his teammates and the club."

Nevertheless, Real's reported desire for a new goalkeeper is understandable.

Casillas has endured a difficult period in his career for both club and country in recent seasons and is no longer thought of as an entirely safe pair of hands.

By contrast, De Gea's star could hardly be brighter, as the 24-year-old has come to the Red Devils' rescue time and again this season with a string of world-class saves.

That being the case, United will fight to keep De Gea, because to lose him would be a major blow. Further, Madrid is De Gea's hometown, so his flight there gives little indication of his intentions or future.

A more likely prospective signing for Real is Torino's Matteo Darmian.

According to Goal.com's Romeo Agresti, Madrid officials spoke to the defender at the Golden Palace Hotel in Turin—Real's base ahead of their first leg with Juventus.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Darmian has four goals and four assists in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, but it is his versatility and defensive contribution that make him a promising acquisition.

The Italian is comfortable on both flanks and has won 56 percent of his aerial duels this season, per Squawka. Further, he has won 51 tackles this season—more than Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Raphael Varane.

Real are, of course, a big step up from Torino, so Darmian would undoubtedly be tempted should an offer come his way.

It would not be a surprise to see him plying his trade at the Bernabeu next season.