Real Madrid have reportedly tabled a €100m (£73m) bid for Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois, in what could be considered a sign that the Spanish giants have turned their attention away from Manchester United keeper David De Gea.
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David De Gea tells Man United he wants Real Madrid transfer
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, cited in the Daily Express, claim that new Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez would prefer to sign the Belgium international ahead of the Red Devils star.
The newspaper suggests that the Spanish giants were close to securing a deal for De Gea and would offer £18m plus add-ons for his signature, but Benitez has his eyes set on another promising young goalkeeper.
If reports prove true and a £73m offer has been tabled, this is surely a bizarre move from Los Blancos given the Manchester United stopper is available at a cut-price as he heads into the final year of his Old Trafford contract.
What’s more, De Gea has allegedly informed Louis van Gaal that he wishes to make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window [IBT].
Courtois signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions in September and, particularly with Petr Cech’s future uncertain, isn’t likely to be sold by Jose Mourinho.