Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on David De Gea and Sami Khedira Rumours

Real Madrid seem no closer to signing Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to replace Iker Casillas. That's despite Casillas strangely giving his endorsement for the move.

Casillas, now 34 and seemingly out of favour in Madrid for the last three seasons, told Spanish television show Jugones (h/t the Mirror's Ed Malyon) he'd welcome De Gea at the Bernabeu next season.

Rolling out the welcome mat for a player certain to take his place is a strange move from Casillas. It could be rooted in his own fear to test himself in pastures new, according to B/R's Guillem Balague:

Yet Malyon notes that during the same appearance in front of the cameras, Casillas emphatically stated he'll still be playing for Los Blancos next season.

But despite any bravado from the veteran stopper, De Gea's arrival would certainly mean an extended stay on the bench for Casillas, if that. United's athletic marvel between the sticks is arguably the world's best player at his position.

De Gea has bailed the Red Devils out of trouble too many times to count this season. It's safe to say he's earned points rather than just protected them.

In fact, De Gea is playing so well ex-Arsenal defender and current media pundit Martin Keown believes he shouldn't even be thinking about leaving United. Writing for the Daily Mail, Keown implored the player to consider the trajectory of his career, along with United's prospects for success, and stay at Old Trafford:

"

As for De Gea, he should not be going anywhere. United still need to reinforce in key areas over the summer but they are a lot closer to major success than Liverpool. They have superstars in the dressing room and are on an upward curve. 

De Gea has developed into an outstanding goalkeeper at United and could be the long-term solution they’ve been searching for ever since Peter Schmeichel left.

"

De Gea has certainly made enough strides during the last three seasons to merit lofty comparisons with United club legend Schmeichel. But the pull of a return to Madrid may be just too strong, even if the former Atletico player would be crossing the city's divide to join Los Blancos.

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Yet luring De Gea back to La Liga may not be as easy as Madrid suppose. United gaffer Louis van Gaal has indicated his belief the gifted young stopper will instead stay in England's top flight, per Metro's Sean Kearns.

This is a transfer saga sure to drag on and dominate the summer window.

Departing Khedira Set for Juventus

Sami Khedira took to Instagram to officially confirm what's been known for a long time: The German World Cup winner will leave Los Merengues on a free transfer this summer, per Metro's George Bellshaw.

On his way out the door, Khedira has also lamented what he sees as hurtful treatment. During an interview with Spanish publication Marca (h/t the Guardian), Khedira stated his belief he's been "frozen out" this season.

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Now he's available on a freebie, speculation has increased about the 28-year-old's next destination. A report from TalkSport (h/t Marca) states Juventus have won the race for the box-to-box powerhouse.

The report claims the Serie A winners are even "on the verge of announcing a deal." The original source is likely Marca journalist Hugo Cerezo. Earlier this week, Cerezo claimed Khedira "is all but set to choose Juventus" because of the Turin outfit's ability to compete for the UEFA Champions League.

Despite his strength, dangerous late runs into the box and eye for goal, Khedira won't be missed in the Spanish capital. Madrid chief Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to trust a host of other options to fill in for starting duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos this season.

The fact centre-back Sergio Ramos has been converted to central midfield for big games served as the ultimate indictment of Khedira's standing.

Yet given the struggles of Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva, Los Merengues will have to add a quality player or two at this position during the close season.

After finishing the campaign without a trophy, you can pretty much guarantee there'll big changes for Los Blancos this summer. The team certainly need a new and commanding goalkeeper with Casillas no longer the presence he was.

Meanwhile, even though he was ignored, Khedira's exit is a timely reminder the midfield ranks desperately need a refresh. Some true athletic dynamism is certainly required alongside the guile of Modric and Kroos.