Manchester United Transfer News: Top-Class Stars Linked in Old Trafford Rumours

Iker Casillas has told reporters he wants Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea to join Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, further fuelling the rumours the Red Devils' stopper could be on his way to the Spanish capital.

As reported by the Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon, the veteran was asked how he felt about the persistent rumours, and Casillas gae reporters a positive answer:

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"Would you like De Gea to come," he was asked by television show Jugones, replying "of course I would."

Yet the veteran keeper doesn't think that signing the United man would signal the end of his career-long stay at the European champions. And, riled by being asked once more about his own future, Casillas snapped at reporters:

"I am going to stay [at the club]. Do I really have to tell you again?"

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According to Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond, it is becoming ever more likely De Gea leaves his current club at the end of this season:

Casillas' blessing would mean another step toward a potential deal, although his comments have to be taken with a grain of salt. The 34-year-old club legend was put on the spot and would obviously never say anything to hurt his standing with Los Blancos; of course he would answer positively.

De Gea remains a natural fit to replace the long-time Real starter, who is slowly edging toward the end of his career. The former Atletico man has developed into one of the world's top young goalkeepers at Old Trafford, but Squawka's Greg Johnson doesn't believe that means the player owes the club any favours:

The Red Devils would prefer not to sell, but with De Gea's contract set to expire at the end of next season, they may not have a choice. This rumour is set to dominate the headlines throughout the summer, to the dismay of United fans.

Tim Sherwood Believes Ron Vlaar Will Stay at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood believes reported United target Ron Vlaar will sign a new deal with his current club, rather than join the Mancunians, per Goal's Sacha Pisani:

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I've told Ron I want him to stay and he's said he wants to

So his representatives are going to talk the club and I'm confident something can be done. Are we close? Well, put it this way, we're not a million pounds away!

He's a man, who is quite rightly in demand but I can see him being here next season.

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Vlaar rose to the top of transfer wish-lists around the country after a fantastic performance for the Netherlands during the 2014 World Cup, but the experienced defender has crashed back down to Earth in the 2014-15 campaign.

Persistent injury concerns went hand-in-hand with poor performances, and per the Daily Telegraph's Matt Law, fans should take note:

That said, Vlaar will be a free agent who could add some power and experience to any back line for a minimal investment. The Dutchman may not be a world-class centre-back, but he can be a serviceable option off the bench for teams looking for defensive reinforcements.

Whether he'll leave Birmingham at all remains to be seen. When healthy and in-form, he's Aston Villa's best option at the position, and he may not be interested in leaving such a situation in favour of a spot on the United bench.

Nicolas Gaitan Reportedly On His Way to Premier League

Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan is reportedly negotiating a summer transfer with an unnamed Premier League club, according to Record (h/t Metro's Will Giles).

The 27-year-old winger is regularly linked with a move to England, to the point where the Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon is starting to compare him to Wesley Sneijder:

The Argentina international has been a solid player for Benfica, but given his age and reported buyout clause―£24.8 million, per Giles―it's hard to see how this Gaitan would fit into Louis van Gaal's plans.

The Dutch manager already brought in a big-money winger in Memphis Depay and will likely continue with Angel Di Maria next season, giving the former Real Madrid man the chance to live up to his lofty transfer fee in his second year with the club.

Depth is always a good thing, but spending close to £25 million on a good, not great player who figures to spend most of his time on the bench is a luxury clubs can't afford in the age of financial fair play.

For a reduced fee, Gaitan could be a nice option to use as depth and off the bench, although he would stand in the way of Adnan Januzaj's development.

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