Real Madrid Transfer News: David De Gea Talks Lined Up, Raheem Sterling Rumours

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is due to meet with Jorge Mendes, David De Gea's agent, this week.

That's according to David Anderson of the Mirror, who suggests Real will make a "formal approach" before beginning a negotiation over the goalkeeper's fee. Manchester United are expected to rebuff a £15 million offer from Los Blancos, but the Red Devils cannot hope to receive near his proper valuation due to the Spaniard's contract running out at the climax of next season.

New Madrid boss Rafa Benitez played it coy when recently asked about De Gea in his first press conference for the club, noted by Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News: "I like the way you have tried to sneak that question under the radar but we will evaluate everything in time," he said. "We will not name names today."

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Duncan Castles of Goal.com reports De Gea "has informed Manchester United that he wishes to join Real Madrid." The player's unwillingness to sign a new contract or publicly pledge his allegiance to Louis van Gaal's cause should be seen as indicators he will move on.

Benitez will be keeping a keen eye on Premier League talent throughout the summer. The Sun (h/t Telegraph Sport) reports Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling must be sold if the Reds wish to acquire Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.

Sterling is linked with Real, Manchester City and Arsenal in the aforementioned article. The Englishman appears destined to leave Anfield after stalling on a new contract and having "reiterated his desire to leave" during a phone call with Liverpool chief executive officer Ian Ayre, according to the Mail On Sunday's Chris Wheeler.

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The 20-year-old's stand-off with the club has severely impacted his form and reputation. He was even booed by sections of support during England's 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, noted by B/R UK:

Mark Ogden of the Telegraph believes the player is in danger of severely hampering his chances of success:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed where Sterling may end up:

Sterling is nowhere near ready to represent a team of Madrid's calibre. If Gareth Bale is booed for being wasteful after helping the club to the Copa del Rey and Champions League last season, Sterling doesn't stand a chance at winning the crowd over in his current state.

He's immensely talented, but he needs to focus on developing his game with regular playing time. It's fair to say Sterling has given no indication to suggest he would manage any better than Jese Rodriguez at the Bernabeu, a player whose talent and potential doesn't see him secure a first-team place.

Even Alvaro Morata, a player who excelled during the latter stages of his debut season with Juventus after leaving Madrid, couldn't get a game in Spain. He has denied rumours suggesting Madrid will trigger his buy-back clause, telling Cadena SER (h/t Forza Italian Football):

"Nobody has spoken to me about going back," said Morata. "It is something that would depend on many people. That said, I have to think about how my year went (at Juventus). And I am very happy to be playing here."

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Benitez will have plenty of ideas swimming about in his head. Madrid need to find greater balance than Carlo Ancelotti managed, perhaps by toning down the emphasis on attack and playing a more well-rounded game.

Individual upgrades, notably De Gea over Iker Casillas, can also make a huge difference.