Real Madrid Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo, David De Gea Swap Deal Claim Made

Real Madrid are reportedly set to make a sensational offer to Manchester United, with a swap deal involving Cristiano Ronaldo and David De Gea being prepared.

According to El Confidencial (h/t Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News), the proposal is being spearheaded by agent Jorge Mendes, who represents De Gea, Ronaldo and United boss Jose Mourinho.

Real are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper and have long admired the Red Devils stopper, while Ronaldo has been linked with an exit from Madrid this summer.

De Gea was on the verge of joining Los Blancos in 2015, only for the deal to fall through at the last minute. The Spanish capital club has since made use of Keylor Navas as the No. 1 between the sticks.

The Costa Rica international has hardly been a poor alternative, having helped the side win two UEFA Champions League titles and La Liga during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, but De Gea would be an upgrade.

As football writer Ryan Baldi noted, United are reliant on the Spain international to bail out their defenders:

Football analyst David O'Brien provided further evidence of De Gea's quality:

Given his importance at Old Trafford, his departure would likely be unpalatable for most fans, even with the arrival of returning hero Ronaldo in exchange.

It could soften the blow a little, though, as the forward is still revered by supporters despite having departed the club in 2009.

However, with Ronaldo turning 33 in February, the speculated deal wouldn't be worthwhile for the Red Devils in the unlikely event it came to pass.