Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea 'Agreement' Claimed, Top Rumours

Real Madrid may already have an agreement in place to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea this summer, according to the Spanish club's former president, Ramon Calderon.

Speaking to talkSPORT's Weekend Sports Breakfast, Calderon suggested a deal may have been in place since last summer: “Apparently there is some agreement. They had a deal from last [summer] for him to come but I can’t tell you [for sure] as I don’t have personal knowledge of that.”

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Of course, it was last summer when Los Blancos' bid to bring De Gea back to the Spanish capital collapsed on the final day of the European transfer window. But the talk of Real renewing their interest hasn't gone quiet since.

Interestingly, though, Calderon pointed out the strange nature of this rumour—strange considering how well current Madrid No. 1 Keylor Navas is performing: “[But] Keylor Navas is playing [well], like you saw last night [against Barcelona]. He’s doing that in many matches. It would be really strange if David De Gea came but no doubt he is one of the best and also he’s a Spaniard, which helps."

Navas has been in fine form, a fact he reinforced with a splendid display during Madrid's recent 2-1 Clasico win over Barcelona. Sky Sports' La Liga analyst Graham Hunter was suitably impressed:

But it may not be Navas' excellent form that decides if this transfer happens or not. There's also the not-so-small matter of De Gea consenting to the move.

That's something Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles, a close friend of United's No. 1, doesn't think he'll do, per Steve Millar of the Daily Star: 

"

After the summer I don’t know the situation. Real Madrid are a top team but for me David is happy in Manchester and has kept up the level of performance.

He’s told me he’s happy and he is important for the club at the moment. They’re fighting for a Champions League spot and I think David is the best player at United now.

"

Robles may appear to have the inside track, but the lure of playing for Spain's most successful club may be too great for the 'keeper who originally rose to prominence at Atletico Madrid.

Real don't really need De Gea, but that's unlikely to stop current president Florentino Perez pursuing another so-called "Galactico."

United Ready to Pay £40 Million for Renato Sanches

One signing United are reportedly already taking steps to complete is the acquisition of precocious Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches. Portuguese publication A Bola (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star) have reported how United have declared their willingness to pay £40 million for the 18-year-old.

The same report claimed that talks are ongoing, but the financing of the deal might not be so straightforward: "Benfica are reported to want £48 [million] in total but would be ready to accept United's offer provided the remaining £8m was made up with achievable bonuses."

That's a hefty sum for a teenager, but United's need for more youth and dynamism in midfield can't be denied.

Holding player Morgan Schneiderlin is rather plodding, while Michael Carrick is 34 and Bastian Schweinsteiger is 31. Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini doesn't suit the intricate, possession-based game United favour.

What the Red Devils really need is a young talisman with the robust qualities to complement playmakers Ander Herrera and Juan Mata. Sanches boasts the talent to be that player.

Writing for the Daily Mirror back in late-January, Tom Kundert dubbed Sanches a "true box-to-box midfielder." He also praised the player's "impressive stamina levels," "thunderous shot" and "good tackling ability."

Sanches is a true star in the making and the kind of young player United need to help form the core of a winning squad alongside 20-year-old striker Anthony Martial.

Of course, the key to that core will be convincing De Gea to turn his back on a return to Madrid. If they can do it, the Reds will retain the basis to improve their fortunes in the Premier League next season.