Manchester United could complete the incredible signing of Gareth Bale, if they give Real Madrid what they want – that goalkeeper who can replace Iker Casillas.
David De Gea has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid of late, with the Manchester United goalkeeper reportedly stalling on signing a new contract. De Gea's current contract will expire in the summer of 2016.
However, with Real Madrid coveting the world record signature of Bale, a swap deal is being mooted, with De Gea, and plenty of money, going to the Bernabeu in exchange for Bale returning to the English Premier League to ply his trade at Old Trafford.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Real Madrid have told Manchester United they can sign Bale in the summer transfer window after the end of the season, as long as De Gea moves the other way.
Louis Van Gaal will have to give serious consideration to this particular deal, because De Gea has been one of the most consistent performers for Manchester United in the last few seasons, winning the player of the award last season.
Indeed, he has probably been Manchester United's best player this season as well, making crucial saves time and again, and is clearly one of the first names on Van Gaal's teamsheet.
De Gea, who suffered a dislocated finger while training with Spain last week, admitted he is aware of apparent interest from Real Madrid, but insisted he is loving life at Manchester United.
"It is difficult to say whether a bid will be made by Real, because of all the rumours that appear in the press," he told La Sexta.
"In Manchester I feel wanted. If you took seriously what is written about you, you'd almost think you're going to a thousand clubs. So, the best you can do is pay attention to where you are.
"I feel very loved by Man United."
While that means De Gea will have no problems staying at Manchester United even if Real Madrid make their interest public, it also means that Van Gaal has that key decision to make – is it worth losing De Gea, and quite a bit of cash, to bring in Bale, who has the ability to become the best player in the world?
Van Gaal has shown he is not shy in making the tough decisions, while also spending plenty of money in the transfer market, and no doubt this tale will take a few more twists before the summer transfer window approaches at the end of this season.
