Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Fabio Coentrao, Gareth Bale Rumours

Real Madrid may include full-back Fabio Coentrao in a potential player-plus-cash deal to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, according to Jose Felix Diaz of Marca.

Diaz suggests the Portuguese international will "sweeten" the pot for United, who were previously linked with signing him during David Moyes' tenure. The Red Devils reportedly want €40 million for De Gea, and with Coentrao valued at approximately €15 million, per Diaz, the clubs could form something of an agreement.

An alternative Marca article suggests Madrid have launched a first bid of €20 million for De Gea, who once again showed his quality during United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

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The Spanish goalkeeper's contract runs out at the end of next season, as Transfermarkt.co.uk reported, meaning Madrid have an opportunity to snap him up on a bargain fee. While the clubs continue to tout a swap deal for Gareth Bale, per the Manchester Evening News (h/t Liam Prenderville of the Mirror), Sky Sports' Guillem Balague believes "Bale is going to be at Real Madrid next season," per Sky Sports.

Former United right-back Gary Neville suggests the club should use their position of power to sign the Welshman. He suggests De Gea could place United above potential suitors if Bale becomes available, as told to Sky Sports (h/t Tom Sheen of the Independent):

"

Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool will all want Gareth Bale. So if you are going to give Real a player I think it would make sense to try and get Bale and steal him in return for De Gea.

With his form this season I was always hopeful he'd stay but with the wave of noise in the press it just looked to have an inevitability about it.

"

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United boss Louis van Gaal will no doubt be exploring a number of options. Coentrao's inclusion in a deal would be useful, but not essential, for United. The left-back's form has been hit and miss at the Bernabeu, as his five La Liga starts this season have summed up, per WhoScored.com.

There's a sense United would be doing Real a major favour by getting the unfancied player off the Spanish club's wage bill.

Van Gaal has deployed Ashley Young at left-back to good effect this season although his recent performances from the wing have been even more productive.

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Poor fitness has hampered Luke Shaw's debut season at the club, but he can be expected to contribute more next campaign.

Daley Blind's best form has arrived at left-back, where his vision and ability to read the game has proved most prominent.

Van Gaal consciously attacked down the left with Young, Blind and Marouane Fellaini during important wins over Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City.

While Coentrao could undoubtedly excel in the Premier League, United have other priorities. Firstly, replacing De Gea would be key if he leaves. Then, at least one world-class centre-back, holding midfielder and striker is needed.

B/R UK's Thom Gibbs recently discussed who could join the club:

The possibility of signing De Gea and getting rid of Coentrao in one swoop has likely excited Madrid fans. United may find it difficult to receive exactly what they want for the goalkeeper due to his contract situation, so supporters will have to limit their expectations over a hefty fee.

A painstaking, yet exciting, summer is likely to ensue for the English club. Qualifying for the Champions League has given United every opportunity to lure in world-class players, but the biggest battle may turn out to be keeping De Gea, who has played arguably a more important role than any other in getting them there.