Real Madrid's decision-makers believe they can land Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on a free transfer. Los Blancos have reportedly already made enquiries in a bid to take advantage of the Spaniard's uncertain future.However, Madrid's moves haven't gone unnoticed by the hierarchy at Old Trafford. The Red Devils board will ward off interest from the Spanish capital with a bumper new contract.But even that might not be enough to dissuade De Gea from returning to Madrid. The former Atletico stopper remains a firm target for Los Merengues. Mark Ogden ofThe Telegraphhas reported that if De Gea can't agree a new deal with United ahead of next season, he'll be able to accept any free transfer offer from January 2016.Of course, that would require Madrid waiting until the end of next season to finally land their man. But Ogden stresses that won't necessarily be a problem for Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti. He cited the coach's faith in veteran Iker Casillas and Costa Rica international Keylor Navas.It's certainly true that Madrid are well-stocked with talented goalkeepers. Yet Ancelotti could make an exception for a rising star like De Gea.After initially struggling with the pace and frenetic nature of the game in England's top flight, De Gea has since matured into United's lone dependable figure at the back.Despite seeing a changing cast of injury-prone characters form defences in front of him this season, De Gea has kept on improving. He's now become the kind of 'keeper who not only saves, but also earns his team points.Why else would United be willing to pay him 140,000 per week' That's according to Daily Mirrorreporter David McDonnell.He also detailed certain provisions United will insist are part of the new contract. Provisions that would safeguard one of the club's best assets:United are also said to be ready to insert a release clause of 45m in the proposed new deal for De Gea, whom they signed from Atletico Madrid for 17.8m back in 2011.Reports from Spain claim De Gea is close to agreeing the terms of the improved offer from United, which would keep the Spaniard at Old Trafford until 2020.That's a monster deal for any goalkeeper. But stoppers as good as De Gea at his age are rare. United will also be keenly aware of the lure of Madrid, where De Gea first rose to prominence.Real might be ready to bide time over De Gea, but the club might not be given the chance with another prime target. The player in question is Valencia centre-back Jose Luis Gaya.He has been identified as Madrid's top transfer target, per Cadena COPE's 'EL Partido del Las 12' (h/t Inside Spanish Football writer Tom Conn). The report claimed Los Blancos would meet the 19-year-old's 18 million release fee.The move is probably thought of as a response to the uncertain contract status of Sergio Ramos. The veteran Spanish international has still not put pen to paper on a new deal. Now he's emerged as a summer target for ex-Madrid boss, now-Chelsea gaffer, Jose Mourinho, perDaily Expressreporter Anthony Chapman.Real are also trying to convince 31-year-old Pepe to sign a new contract. The Portuguese international is now being linked with Manchester City, perManchester Evening Newswriter Anthony Jepson.But Madrid's eye for the future could still miss Gaya. Ben Jefferson of theDaily Expresshad reported Arsenal as another club prepared to pay the young defender's buyout clause.However, that doesn't seem likely, at least at the moment. After all, the Gunners have already strengthened their defensive ranks by signing Gabriel Paulista from La Liga side Villarreal, per Arsenal.com.What's more likely is that Gaya continues his development with fourth-placed Valencia. At least that's the view of former Los Che winger Francisco Rufete.He believes the youngster will renew his contract, also stating negotiations to that end have already begun, according to Inside Spanish Football writer Heath Chesters.Fortunately, missing out on a few potential targetsor even just playing the waiting gameis something Madrid can sustain. The current squad is deep and talented at all of the key positions.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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