Only Gareth Bale signing for Manchester United can sweeten David De Gea's move to Real Madrid

David De Gea has been Manchester United’s player of the season and has been courted by Real Madrid

There is nothing that can be said about David De Gea that has not been covered by somebody already this season. The Manchester United number one has been absolutely outstanding and the best player at Old Trafford for the second year running – and should he decide his future lies away from the Red Devils, he will be an extraordinary loss for the club.

However, without wanting to state the obvious, there is a bright future ahead for United, and this will remain the case with or without De Gea. It is no secret that Real Madrid have been courting the young Spanish goalkeeper over the past year as they search for their long-term replacement for Iker Casillas; and more often than not, when Real Madrid want a player, they ultimately get him.

This is by no means the first time the Spanish giants have gone all out to steal United’s superstar as it was only six years ago that they took Cristiano Ronaldo from United for a world record fee of £80m. Six months prior to the Ronaldo transfer – manager of United at the time, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he wouldn’t sell Madrid a virus, let alone his prized asset. Needless to say, like in most business and sporting situations – money talks.

Transfers between these two superpowers of world football are not uncommon; with the likes of David Beckham, Gabriel Heinze and Ruud Van Nistelrooy all leaving Old Trafford for the Bernabeu – and more recently Angel Di Maria going in the opposite direction. Historically, top players have only ever departed from Old Trafford when the United hierarchy see fit – with Ronaldo being the one and only exception to this rule.

It looks as though De Gea could be the second player to break this mould but whilst Louis Van Gaal will not want to lose a top class goalkeeper, it must be remembered that United could benefit greatly in any agreement if his departure. Welsh wizard Gareth Bale who joined Madrid two seasons ago is simply not having a good time in Spain.

Jeered by his own supporters when on the pitch and attacked by them off it – Bale has not said much in the way of where he would like to ply his trade next season. At times, silence can be golden. But in this incident it seems damning. Whilst his agent has been vocal in saying Bale is staying in Madrid – only a fool would believe the noises coming out of his mouth.

A club who are known from bringing in at least one Galactico every summer, yet have won only one La Liga title in seven years after spending over £500m on new players; it is no surprise the fans have seemingly turned on them.

Gareth Bale has been booed by the Real Madrid fans over the course of this season

Sadly for Bale, he is the fall guy. Should De Gea be this summer’s Galactico – it is imperative that United make Bale coming in the opposite direction part of the arrangement. Whilst at Spurs – the powerful winger was named both Player and Young Player of the Year and understands the rigours of the English game. Adapting would not be a problem. He is a ready-made star and would certainly be more appreciated in Manchester than Madrid.

Of course from a United perspective, Bale would not solve the problem of finding a replacement goalkeeper – but one has to assume there was a reason Victor Valdes was brought to the club. There are only a handful of goalkeepers who can boast playing for a club the size of Manchester United for over ten years – and having done so at Barcelona, there is no chance Valdes would shy away from the challenge of taking over as number one on a permanent basis.

Whilst the likes of Ben Foster, Tim Howard and Fabien Barthez all buckled under the pressure at Old Trafford– Valdes has been there and done it all before and looks to be the perfect solution. With a year left on his contract – it seems inevitable that De Gea will leave the club – but having that long standing relationship of transfer dealings with Real Madrid; and a very good replacement waiting in the wings for his opportunity between the sticks; it might just turn out fine for Manchester United.