Manchester United have reportedly told Real Madrid that they will have to pay a world-record transfer fee for David de Gea if they want to bring him to the Bernabeu.
Madrid usually get a player sooner rather than later once they target him so it is hugely refreshing to hear of Man United’s stance.
However, if Madrid refuse to pay a large fee then United risk losing De Gea on a free transfer next summer as he is entering the final year of his contract.
We asked our Twitter followers for their thoughts on whether or not they would sell De Gea for a low fee or force him to stay:
@PeoplesPerson_ stay just to piss Madrid off
— the midnight caller (@Andybrown1976) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Keep him. Another season with de Gea in goal is worth twice that.
— Wannes (@SeriousWannes) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ F*ck it, stand up to Real Madrid for once. Tell them to pay a proper fee or make them wait. Money isn't a concern to United.
— Joe Harker (@MrJoeHarker) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ 100% keep him. We can afford to let him go free, plus there's outside chance he may be convinced to sign mid-season
— Barry Stott (@BarryStott) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Keep him. Would save face as a club and force him to be honest rather than have Mendes do all his work.
— Andrew Melrose (@armelrose) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ A no brainer. A player of DDG ability is worth more than 20 mill even for 1 season. Worth at least 15 points a season. KEEP!
— Adam Holden (@holdennopunches) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ his head is already gone so punish him sit him in the stands for the year and ruin his chances of playing for spain in euros
— LVG's avengers (@ais_paul) June 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ why keep a player who doesn't wanna be there??
— SeanL (@Sean_L94) June 26, 2015
From a financial point of view, it makes sense for De Gea to stay at United.
The club aren’t short of cash and it is unlikely that Madrid would be willing to pay anything near what he is worth.
However, De Gea may already have his heart set on a return to his homeland. If United tell him that he’s staying at Old Trafford then the situation might turn nasty.