Manchester United fear Real Madrid will demand David de Gea as part of any deal to sign Gareth Bale next summer.

Jose Mourinho and United transfer negotiator Ed Woodward are excited at developments over Bale’s future at the Bernabeu believing they will have their best chance so far of finally landing the 28-year-old Welshman next summer.

But their optimism has been tempered by word from Madrid that if the Spanish giants are prepared to sell £85million Bale they will want keeper De Gea in return.

That’s left Mourinho in a dilemma.

Bale has won three European Cups in four years yet still hasn't won over some Madrid fans (
Image:
Getty)
Local boy De Gea has told pals playing for Real Madrid is on his career bucket-list (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

For while he believes signing Bale would be a game changer for United giving them a genuine world class star he doesn’t want to lose De Gea.

It is a problem for Mourinho but the chance to sign Bale may prove irresistable.

De Gea is happy at Old Trafford but he’s told close friends playing for Real Madrid at some stage is on his agenda.

The ball is in Mourinho’s court, but the chance to sign Bale may prove irresistible for the United boss who told the Welshman last summer: “I cannot buy you because you do not talk to me!”

Mourinho whispered the message to Bale as the Portuguese coach greeted Real Madrid’s players before they played United in America last summer.

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It was a cheeky attempt to let Bale know he’s a wanted man at Old Trafford.

And with Bale’s relationship with Real Madrid fans less than friendly Mourinho believes the time is right to finally grab the former Spurs star.

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