Sell De Gea: Van Gaal told Louis van Gaal

LONDON — Louis van Gaal has instructed Manchester United to sell David De Gea .

The United boss wants to draw a line under De Gea’s contract stand-off before the new English Premier League season kicks off in five days’ time.

Van Gaal believes it makes sense for vice-chairman Ed Woodward to broker a deal with Real Madrid rather than keep an unhappy player at the club.

And De Gea’s departure would pave the way for United to make a £25 million swoop for Ajax No. 1 Jasper Cillessen.

Van Gaal has illustrated with his willingness to allow Argentine winger Angel di Maria to Paris St Germain at a £20 million loss that he only wants players who are fully committed to his philosophy.

That means United will now allow De Gea to realise his dream of joining Real Madrid — if the Spanish giants come up with a more realistic offer.

Madrid’s opening gambit of £15 million was never going to tempt United to sell — despite the fact that De Gea has less than 12 months left on his contract.

But an offer of £25million will get the deal done.

And Sergio Ramos’ decision to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu means United are now willing to open talks over De Gea without asking for the central defender to be included in any deal.

Cillessen is Van Gaal’s choice to replace De Gea following a recommendation from goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek.

He wants Woodward to tie up a deal for the Dutch international before next Saturday’s season-opener against Tottenham.

Cillessen (26) played in Ajax’s 2-2 Champions League qualifying draw at Rapid Vienna in midweek and will not be eligible to play for United in the competition if the Dutch club go through to the group stages.

Van Gaal has made it clear that he is happy to put his faith in new Argentine recruit Sergio Romero if that scenario develops.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will not give up on their world record pursuit of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

With £59.7 million Angel Di Maria heading for Paris Saint-Germain Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal’s desire to make a “galactico” signing has grown even stronger.

United would like Barcelona’s Pedro, whose release clause is £22 million, to help bolster the squad for a concerted Premier League title challenge but that won’t dampen the urge to bring in former Tottenham flyer Bale.

The club’s new kit suppliers Adidas who are pumping in a staggering £750 million over the next 10 years are also pushing for Wales international Bale to join United.

He is one of the company’s A listers and they believe that Bale and United is the perfect fit in terms of marketing.

The fact that Real Madrid would want all of the £86 million — and more — to part with the 26-year-old, is not putting off the Old Trafford hierarchy led by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

They are prepared to smash the Bale world record fee to snatch a player they feel could help them win the Premier League.

United will push for Bale right up until the transfer window closes hoping that the Spaniards will relent, especially if the Bernabeu fans once again turn on him. Also in the knowledge they are desperate to sign keeper de Gea.

Van Gaal insists United are missing at least one big piece of his jig-saw – the top player, his galactico to make the title difference.

The Dutchman is disappointed to lose Di Maria, especially for £45 million. But the Argentinian international failed to make the expected impact last season, especially after he and his family became unsettled following a burglary at their Cheshire home.

Pedro who scored in Barcelona’s 2011 Champions League final victory over United and who made 50 appearances for the La Liga giants is likely to arrive this month.

But that won’t be the end of United’s transfer business. They’ve had a huge bid of around £60 million turned down by Bayern Munich for Thomas Muller while Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen will arrive if De Gea leaves. —The Mirror

 

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