Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on David De Gea and Jesus Vallejo Rumours
Real Madrid could strike an agreement to sign David De Gea from Manchester United within days, according to latest reports, with Los Blancos apparently ready to step up their interest in the goalkeeper.
According to Pablo Polo of Marca, the Red Devils have “thrown in the towel” in their pursuit of Sergio Ramos, and the developments with the defender's situation have “partially unlocked the door for Real to sign De Gea.” It means that provided Real meet United’s asking price of €40 million, the Spaniard is “free to go.”
The reports are at odds with murmurs in the British press, however, which claim that the Red Devils will not sell their prized asset if Ramos does commit his future to Real, per Mike Keegan of the MailOnline.
As noted by Tom Coast of SportWitness, the transfer saga involving the Spanish goalkeeper has been running for a long time now:
It’s easy to see why Real want De Gea as the man to replace the departed Iker Casillas. The latter was an immovable presence between the sticks for the Spanish giants during his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu and replicating his influence will be a major challenge. De Gea, it seems, is the standout candidate to do so.
But with less than a fortnight to go until the Premier League starts, would United really be willing to part with a player so important? Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette would happily see the Spanish international, who has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, leave on a free next summer rather than sell now:
Ultimately, it depends on how much Real feel they need De Gea for this season. It seems inevitable that he’ll become a Los Blancos player eventually, whether this term or next, and be the man between the sticks at the Santiago Bernabeu for many years to come.
Real seem to have made contingency plans, though, signing Kiko Casilla to vie with Keylor Navas for the No. 1 spot. As noted by WhoScored.com, the new man is also a talented operator:
In normal circumstances, €40 million would represent enormous value for money for De Gea, but with Real able to sign the player on a pre-contract in 2016, it’d make business sense to hold fire and go with the two current options for the 2015-16 campaign.
United will feel that with De Gea in nets they have a fine chance of challenging for Premier League glory this season. But losing him at the last minute would completely destabilise the encouraging business conducted by the club in the window to this point; as such expect Real to be frustrated in their pursuit for the time being.
Jesus Vallejo Close to Real Madrid Move
According to Marco Ruiz of AS, Los Blancos are close to agreeing a deal to sign Spain under-19 captain Jesus Vallejo from Real Zaragoza for €6 million.
The 19-year-old is rated as one of the top young defenders in the Spanish game and has also attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona and Valencia, according to Ruiz. Here’s a look at why so many illustrious names have been chasing the youngster:
Vallejo is likely to be loaned out for a couple of seasons, which will allow him to gain crucial first-team experience. That’ll be vital for a young man who is still a little rough around the edges but has the potential to go to the very top of the game.
Real’s reputation for bringing young players through into the first team leaves much to be desired and it’s something Vallejo will be acutely aware of as he makes a decision on his future. But it’s encouraging to see the Spanish giants are keen to invest in the country’s rising stars and Vallejo will ensure the back four is in good hands going forward if he gets the opportunities.
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