Manchester United's David de Gea (Photo : Reuters)
Manchester United is reportedly going to exploit Real Madrid's desire to land goalkeeper David de Gea to obtain one of Louis van Gaal's summer targets, French striker Karim Benzema, from the Bernabéu.
Benzema had recently been linked to a transfer to Arsenal FC and Arsene Wenger believes that it is only a matter of time before the deal is pushed through.
However, the Daily Express reported that former English football manager Harry Redknapp advised van Gaal to leverage on de Gea's value to outmuscle Arsenal from acquiring the France international.
And if Real is really keen on giving the striker to the Gunners, Redknapp said that van Gaal could choose to ask for team captain Sergio Ramos instead. The 68-year-old former Queens Park Rangers manager quipped that the Dutch mentor "holds all the aces" in this situation.
Earlier this month, van Gaal said that he was ready to let go of the Spanish goal tender but at the right price, via the Daily Star. The 63-year-old Red Devils manager already sent a strong statement by benching de Gea during their opening day win over Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday and used Argentine goalie Sergio Romero for the whole match in his place.
Van Gaal believes that the 24-year-old Spain international is already mentally absent from his duties as United's primary goal stopper and so the manager is reportedly ready to move on.
Redknapp's suggestion really does make sense since van Gaal had long been rumored to execute a "surprise Galactico" transfer the whole summer. It remains to be seen if the United coach will care to listen to the former Hoops boss.
