Manchester United and Real Madrid may begin new transfer negotiations this summer to put an end to what has been the longest and most non-secretive transfer saga in recent times. It has been reported by Don Balon that the two clubs are interested in the possibility of a swap deal involving David de Gea and James Rodriguez. The star goalkeeper has been one of the few bright spots for United in the last few years. He has risen from one of the talented goalkeepers with a lot of potential, into a superstar over the last couple of years.
Real Madrid are still interested in the player just as they were two years ago. However, with De Gea’s contract running out in the next couple of years, United may be looking to sell the player. At the same time, the Red Devils have a deficiency while going forward, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out for a year and Wayne Rooney not being his old self.
Madrid may have the right kind of player to solve this crisis up front, as James Rodriguez is widely expected to leave Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. The Colombian has grown frustrated with life at the Spanish capital due to his low number of first-team opportunities.
He has featured regularly in the first team, despite possessing a good goals-per-game ratio, since Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as the manager. Despite having cost an incredible £71million, the player has found first-team opportunities limited.
Rodriguez is believed to be keen on securing move away from Spain, according to Spanish Sports daily AS. As a result, a swap deal with United could rule out other clubs from signing the player. One of the few hindrances would be the valuation of Rodriguez by United.
Despite being cash rich, Madrid would not want to spend £60million on a goalkeeper as it would significantly hinder their chances of getting a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo in the near future. The talks between the two clubs are expected to progress over the summer as one of the most incredible swap deals could take place this summer.