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Manchester United stars fear team-mate David De Gea is on his way to Real Madrid this summer.

Sections of the United dressing-room are convinced the Spanish goalkeeper has made up his mind to leave after four years at Old Trafford.

De Gea has one season left on his contract and has so far resisted United’s efforts to tie him to an extension, aware that Real want him to replace Iker Casillas.

Now some United stars have confided their fear that De Gea is Madrid-bound, a potentially huge blow given he has been arguably their best player this season.

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If United’s worst fears are confirmed and De Gea does ask to go, they will demand the best possible price for him, valuing the 24-year-old shot-stopper at close to £50million.

Another option should De Gea go is a player-plus-cash deal involving Real’s Gareth Bale, a long-term United target who has endured a difficult second season in Madrid.

Although Bale has said he has no desire to leave Real, United will explore every avenue with regard to his potential capture should De Gea stand firm in his desire to leave.

Spanish TV channels have already claimed De Gea is off to Real this summer, with a key factor being the fact his girlfriend, singer and TV presenter Edurne, remains based in Madrid.

(Image: Mike Hewitt)

United are willing to hand De Gea a new £140,000-a-week contract, which would make him the highest-paid keeper in the Premier League.

But that offer looks as if it will be rebuffed, with United officials now facing up to the prospect of losing De Gea to Spanish giants Real.

De Gea became the first keeper to win United’s Player of the Year award last season and is favourite to retain it after another stand-out campaign.

poll loading Who will win the PFA Player of the Year award? 14000+ VOTES SO FAR Eden Hazard Harry Kane David De Gea Alexis Sanchez Philippe Coutinho Diego Costa

But that accolade, voted for by the fans, is unlikely to be enough to keep De Gea at Old Trafford beyond this season if the whispers from the United dressing-room bear out.

United signed former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes, 33, in January, ostensibly as back-up to De Gea but also as insurance against losing their No.1 to Real, which now looks likely.