Real Madrid Transfer News: David De Gea Blow, Bernd Leno Responds to Rumours

Manchester United star David De Gea reportedly doesn't have a release clause in his contract, meaning Real Madrid could end up paying a huge amount of money if they wish to bring him to the Spanish capital. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen stopper Bernd Leno has addressed rumours linking him with Los Blancos.

As reported by the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan and Adam Crafton, Spanish outlets previously suggested De Gea's contract contained a release clause of £52 million, a fee that was agreed upon when he shockingly signed a new deal after his move to Real fell through in 2015.

It now seems no such clause exists, however, and United have no plans of selling their star stopper for a fee of less than £66 million, double the current record for a goalkeeper. Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus remains the record holder.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

The report also states De Gea would consider a move if his team failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois and AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma are alternative options for Los Blancos.

Leno has also been linked with a move, and he told German magazine Kicker (h/t Goal's Joe Wright) he's trying to focus on his current club for now: "It honours you when you are linked with Real. But I want to fully focus on Leverkusen."

Los Blancos are expected to splash the cash on a new goalkeeper during the summer after a difficult campaign for current starter Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican has made his fair share of blunders this season, including a dreadful mistake against Real Betis ahead of the international break.

As shared by this fan, he was at it again during the break in the match against Mexico:

"

VIDEO: Costa Rica lost 2-0 to Mexico. Keylor Navas gave up a chip to Chicharito and also let this header in. Tough. pic.twitter.com/Wk1MEfriDG

— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) March 25, 2017"

Navas was previously considered among the top stopper in the world, but his struggles this season have taken their toll on his reputation. Real have a tendency of signing at least one major star every season, and addressing the goalkeeper position seems a wise move.

As Spain's unquestioned starter and one of the world's finest, De Gea would be the dream target. He previously played for Atletico Madrid and maintains his popularity in the capital, and at the age of 26, his best years are still ahead of him.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Per the report, he's perfectly happy in Manchester, however, and a move may be complicated.

Leno would be a more cost-effective option if the likes of Courtois and Donnarumma prove unattainable as well. The Germany international has long been a shining star in the Bundesliga, and he's finally receiving the international recognition he deserves.

Here's a look at some of his best saves of the season:

Real usually prefer to invest in huge names as much as talent, however, and Leno might not be the global star the fanbase expects. Even if De Gea costs a record-setting fee, Los Blancos are expected to at least try to pry him out of Manchester this summer.