Real Madrid plotting long-term 'operation' to land Manchester United star David De Gea

REAL MADRID are said to be plotting 'Operation De Gea' in a bid to lure the star goalkeeper to the Bernabeu.

David De Gea Player Profile

Madrid-based newspaper AS report that Los Blancos are desperate to bring in the Spanish international.

And they claim that Real are willing to play the waiting game, if it means getting the 24-year-old on the cheap.

The shot-stopper will be out of contract at Manchester United in 2016, so should he fail to agree a new deal, he could be available for nothing.

David De GeaGETTY

Real Madrid are said to be playing the long-game with David De Gea

The article goes onto say that Real Madrid see De Gea as a long-term replacement for 33-year-old Iker Casillas.

And it suggests that it's De Gea's dream to return to his home city of Madrid, after leaving the Spanish capital four years ago.

However, United are not going to let the Spaniard go easily, and reports suggest they want considerably more than the £18million they paid Atletico Madrid in 2011.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?