Madrid sure De Gea will leave United

REAL MADRID are confident that Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is ready to leave Old Trafford and return to Spain if they pursue him this summer. Sportsmail has learned that De Gea has admitted privately to friends that he would not be able to turn down the chance to become Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper and, in doing so, consolidate his position as Spain’s No 1 stopper. It is understood that talks have been taking place between intermediaries for several months as Real weigh up a move. De Gea’s contract expires at the end of next season and manager Louis van Gaal admitted last week that the 24-year-old is stalling over a new deal. United have proposed an offer that would make De Gea the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper. De Gea (right) first told friends around October that he knew a potentially life-changing decision may await him this summer and he has been kept aware of Real’s developing interest over the past six months. United would demand around £30million but may have to settle for a significantly lower figure due to De Gea’s contractual position. Much depends on whether Real retain Iker Casillas as their first choice for another season, with De Gea their main target if they do not. Madrid’s hopes are only boosted by the positive relationship between Real president Florentino Perez and De Gea’s agent, Jorge Mendes. It is also believed that fellow Mendes client Cristiano Ronaldo is a huge admirer of De Gea and has made that clear to the agent over the last year.