The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsDavid De Gea’s proposed move to Real Madrid is off after paperwork relating to the transfer was submitted past the Spanish deadline which ended at 11pm on Monday evening.
After a prolonged chase over the summer, it was thought the deal was finally agreed with a £29 million agreement in place that also saw Real Madrid’s Kaylor Navas set to make the move to Old Trafford as part of the deal.
But according to reports in Spain the paperwork reached the Spanish authorities at a minute past the deadline and it looks set to deny the Spanish international goalkeeper a dream move to the Bernabeu. There is no precedent in Spain for the FA to agree that the deal can be completed and it leaves De Gea in limbo after being left out of the United squad for the start of the season.
Reports in Spain are laying the blame at Manchester United’s feet but the Red Devils have hit back and say they have proof that the paperwork was submitted on time. Either way, if the deal is scuppered, with Madrid expected to appeal for the completion of the paperwork, relations between the two sides could hit an all-time low after a protracted transfer and chase has left the relationship hanging on the edge.
