David De Gea is still optimistic about playing for Real Madrid. AS has learned that a sub-clause was inserted in his last renewal deal with United (signed September 11, last year) that establishes the price that Madrid need to pay to secure his services this summer: 50 million euro, with this clause expiring on June 15. With the Euro 2016 tournament to be in full swing at the time of expiration, Madrid officials will need make a difficult decision whether to opt for the Spaniard or stick with Keylor Navas, after the Costa Rican was one of the best performers in the Madrid squad this season. Reserve keeper, Kiko Casilla has also performed admirably on the few occasions during the season when he was called into action.

Full screen Sin tituloManchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea IAN KINGTON (AFP)

Madrid feel they have a certain "debt" with De Gea and this was acknowledged by club president Florentino Pérez in a recent interview on the "El Larguero" radio show after their failed attempt to secure the 25 year old last summer as a replacement for Iker Casillas. This June 15 sub-clause only apples to Real Madrid and after this date United are free to place a price of their own on the Spanish goalkeeper.

A well documented problem involving contract faxes last summer thwarted the move to Madrid with the relevant paperwork being registered on the TMS (Transfer Matching System) after the midnight deadline as stipulated by FIFA in order for the transfer to be valid. The deal at the time was for Madrid to pay United 30 million euro for De Gea's signature. At the same time the English club were to pay 15 million euro for Keylor Navas.

Florentino Perez still belives that De Gea is Real Madrid's goalkeeper for the future but after last summer's episode the club have also started to look at alternatives with the name of Chelsea's Courtois being singled out as a potential candidate. The current season however has seen Keylor Navas' stock grow considerably at the club with the Costa Rican being a firm favorite with the Bernabeu faithful. If De Gea does move to Madrid then it would appear that Navas would move the opposite way

David De Gea still yearns to play at Real Madrid, he was frustrated at the way he was treated last summer by the "Red Devils" and the lack of Champions League football next season at Old Trafford is another determining factor.. On a personal level, the player wants to be near his family and long term girlfriend Edurne who lives in the Spanish capital.