Manchester United 'slash David De Gea asking price'

AS reports that United have reluctantly accepted that they will not be able to get any more for a player who is clearly desperate to leave and who in any case has just a year left on his contract.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old throughout the summer and have already had one bid for him turned down by the Red Devils.

According to a report in the Spanish daily, negotiations between the clubs are now speeding up in an effort to avoid De Gea having to report for pre-season training with Louis van Gaal’s side on Monday.

Part of any deal to take De Gea to the Bernabeu could of course feature Los Blancos’ Sergio Ramos, who is wanted by the Premier League side.

£25 million for a man with a year on his contract remains a decent bargain - particularly if, as France's L'Equipe claims on Thursday, the Red Devils are on the verge of agreeing a £15 million deal to sign Hugo Lloris from Tottenham.

Addtional reporting by Football Espana