Real Madrid have reportedly called off their pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and informed Keylor Navas that “this is your year”.
AS claims Rafa Benitez has been hugely impressed by the Costa Rica’s performances in pre-season and training and will subsequently give him the opportunity he has craved since arriving from Levante last summer.
Despite the recent signing of Kiko Casilla and Los Blancos’ purported insistence that he rotates with Navas, the former Espanyol custodian is expected to play second fiddle to the 28-year-old this season.
British bookmaker William Hill, meanwhile, have doubled their odds on De Gea joining Madrid before the end of the summer transfer window.
A spokesperson for the betting company was quoted by AS as saying: “Since the end of last season, people have been betting on De Gea’s departure.
“However, with United asking a huge amount for his transfer and the goalkeeper having been included in their Champions League squad, punters are beginning to think that his move to Real Madrid seems less and less likely.”
United are understood to be firm in their valuation of De Gea, with Madrid so far refusing to meet the Red Devils’ €45m asking price.