Calling True or False on 5 Recent Real Madrid Transfer Rumours

The 2014-15 season will end in underachievement for Real Madrid. Despite enjoying a blistering opening to the campaign, Los Blancos will end it without collecting major silverware. 

Inevitably, that frustration will lead to high-profile activity in the transfer market, with club president Florentino Perez almost certain to chase his next collection of glittering signings.

There are likely to be several exits, too, given the high annual turnover witnessed at the Bernabeu. 

So who will arrive, and who will depart?

Across the following slides, we'll examine five Real Madrid transfer rumours and give our verdict on whether each is likely to come to fruition.

Rumour: David de Gea to Arrive from Manchester United

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The story surrounding David de Gea's possible move from Manchester United to Real Madrid continues to rumble on. 

This week, the Telegraph's Mark Ogden reported that the in-demand goalkeeper had turned down United's new, £200,000-a-week offer and that manager Louis van Gaal has conceded there is little more the club can do to try and convince De Gea to remain at Old Trafford. 

Ogden also revealed that United have begun to identify possible replacements, with Chelsea's Petr Cech and Tottenham's Hugo Lloris among their top priorities. David McDonnell of the Mirror has also reported that the Red Devils view Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen as another option. 

Verdict: True

Here at Bleacher Report, Guillem Balague wrote that "there is a very good chance that David de Gea will start next season in the colours of Real Madrid, but claims that his return to Spain is a done deal are way off the mark."

Balague insisted the Spaniard is still undecided on a move back to Madrid but did add that "his entourage and family would like him to return to Spain."

For United, the simple fact that he's continued to resist a huge new contract is ominous, and with Iker Casillas enduring a decline in the Spanish capital, it's easy to envisage Real Madrid's doing whatever is required to secure the services of De Gea. 

Rumour: Gareth Bale to Depart to Manchester United

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It's been a difficult season for Gareth Bale at the Bernabeu in 2014-15, and reports have continued to suggest that Manchester United will try to lure the Welshman to Old Trafford this summer. 

This week, Duncan Castles of the Sunday Times reported that Bale "wants out" at Real Madrid and is pushing for a return to the Premier League. Castles adds that United's "executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward made Bale a priority target when he took control of the club's transfer activity in 2013."

With David de Gea looking likely to go the other way, Sky Sports' Gary Neville believes the Red Devils should include the goalkeeper as part of a swap deal with Los Blancos, but David Anderson of the Mirror reports that Real Madrid aren't interested in any such deal.

Verdict: False

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ, Guillem Balague insisted there is no chance Bale will depart the Bernabeu this summer. 

"He is staying at Madrid—end of (story)," Balague said. "There is no story there. Gareth Bale is going to be at Real Madrid next season."

Earlier this month, the Welshman's agent also said his client had no intentions of leaving the Spanish capital, via the Mirror. 

But perhaps most importantly, Real Madrid are in no position in which they have to sell, with Bale under contract until 2019. And given that Bale is one of Florentino Perez's Galacticos, it's highly unlikely the all-powerful president will let go of his record signing after just two seasons. 

Rumour: Real Madrid Will Use Fabio Coentrao as Part of David de Gea Deal

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Though Manchester United want €40 million from Real Madrid for David de Gea, Marca has reported that Los Blancos want to include left-back Fabio Coentrao as part of a swap deal. 

According to Jamie Sanderson of Metro, the Spanish outfit have offered £14.5 million plus Coentrao in an attempt to prise De Gea from Old Trafford. 

The Portuguese, who has spent four seasons at the Bernabeu but has been troubled by injury in 2014-15, was a target for United during David Moyes' tenure, as noted by the Mirror, and the Telegraph suggests Coentrao is highly thought of by current Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal. 

Verdict: True

Part of Marca's report indicates that Coentrao has previously been close to joining Manchester United before: "The left-back's relationship with the English side began during the summer of 2013 when his move to United broke down at the very last moment."

Additionally, the Real defender has recently said it would be an "honour" to play at Old Trafford.

In an interview with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, (h/t Sky Sports), he said: "I already showed that interest in playing there (at Manchester United). It's one of the best clubs in the world, a club that I admire a lot. It would be an honour to play there."

After a difficult season at Real Madrid in which he's struggled for playing time, Coentrao would benefit from a move elsewhere. And if he's happy to move to United, Van Gaal would likely welcome competition and cover for the young Luke Shaw—even if he has to watch De Gea go the other way. 

Rumour: Real Madrid Interested in Robin van Persie

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Real Madrid have made an enquiry to Manchester United over the availability of striker Robin van Persie, according to an exclusive by Paul Clennam at Goal.

The Dutchman has 12 months left to run on his contract at Old Trafford but has endured a decline since his outstanding 2012-13 season that propelled United to the title immediately after his move from Arsenal. 

According to Clennam, Real and United would need to come to an arrangement to settle the almost £12 million in outstanding earnings for the final year of his contract:

"

It is thought United would be willing to make a significant contribution to his final year's wages by way of a pay-off to smooth his exit from the club, while Real are attracted by the idea of taking a quality striker who could provide formidable striking cover or even challenge [Karim] Benzema for a starting position, form and fitness depending. 

"

Verdict: The story may be legitimate, but the deal is unlikely

With Javier Hernandez's loan spell set to expire, it's logical that Real Madrid are looking for another forward to back up the likes of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

But it's difficult to envisage Van Persie being content with a substitute's role at the Bernabeu. And the last thing Real Madrid need is to generate tension within the squad. 

Additionally, Ronaldo's ongoing evolution into a highly effectively and efficient No. 9 is beginning to suggest that Los Blancos need to look for wide attackers rather than out-and-out strikers. 

Rumour: Real Madrid Will Sell Jese with Buy-Back Clause

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After bursting to prominence early last year, Jese has suffered a difficult season in 2014-15 following his return from a serious knee injury suffered in the Champions League against Schalke last March. 

Behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale—a trio viewed as "untouchable" at the Bernabeu—Jese has made just two Liga starts all season and has been regularly forced to accept cameo appearances toward the end of games. 

Now, Alvaro de la Rosa of AS is reporting that Real Madrid are looking to sell the homegrown forward, then bring him back to the Spanish capital after he gains significant playing time and experience elsewhere.  

"A deal is being sought with a similar clause to that of Dani Carvajal and [Alvaro] Morata, whereby the club will insert a preferential buy-back clause which would facilitate a potential future return to the Bernabeu," wrote De la Rosa. 

Verdict: True

The sending of Daniel Carvajal to Bayer Leverkusen for experience worked perfectly for Real Madrid, and it appears logical for the club to do the same with Jese. 

Behind the club's marquee forwards, the 22-year-old's development is unlikely to progress rapidly at the Bernabeu, and there will be no shortage of suitors should Real make him available.