Turn your minds back to the tumultuous summer of 2015.
A ‘faulty’ fax machine stopped the transfer of David De Gea to Real Madrid – about the only good Louis van Gaal ever did at Manchester United.
Two years later and Madrid’s interest in United’s goalkeeper is still hot. The Spaniard has already confided in Jose Mourinho that one day he would like to play for the Spanish giants, but will not push an immediate move.
This openness has fostered a trusting relationship between Mourinho and De Gea: a far cry from the connection, or lack thereof, De Gea had with Louis van Gaal.
If Spain’s number one is to leave Old Trafford this summer, United must get the best deal possible. Mourinho has made a reputation for himself in scouring the best fees for his players: the £50 million PSG paid for David Luiz being one pertinent example.
Mou must show his savvy self
Yet, Mourinho must be at his savvy best to ensure United get a beneficial deal.
It is no secret that Mourinho is an admirer of Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, handing him his debut when in charge of Madrid. It is also no secret that Mourinho is searching for a striker – a marquee one at that. Thus, a swap deal would be one possible avenue for a De Gea exit.
Reports have said that Morata and £25 million has been discussed, and this seems fair. Yet, the Reds should not be in the business of what is ‘fair’; rather, they should be trying to tease out as much money as possible.
After all, they are losing their best player.
Cheeky bid for Varane….. maybe?
Another area the Red Devils need to strengthen is at the back. Once again, a Madrid player’s name has been mentioned: Raphael Varane.
Varane also emerged under Mourinho and is a composed centre-back. He was selected to pair Sergio Ramos in the Champions League Final by Zinedine Zidane.
For Madrid, Varane is much more of a prized asset that Morata – they see him as the future of the Los Blancos back-line.
Varane would be a wonderful signing. One can already imagine the United fans licking their lips at the thought of an Eric Bailly and Varane partnership.
United must become the predator
If I was Ed Woodward I would be negotiating hard. Demand Morata and Varane in exchange for De Gea. That deal – even in its hypothetical nature – would represent immense bargaining.
Madrid have a history of poaching United’s best talent: David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze, to name a few. Now it is the time for the Reds to poach Madrid’s best talents.
Written by Michael Jones
Follow Michael on Twitter @jonesmichael_97
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