De Gea deal 'in a rut'

Cape Town - Spanish media are becoming increasingly concerned that Real Madrid will not be able to sign David De Gea from Man United.

Leading Spanish media outlet MARCA reports that Real Madrid's move to sign De Gea is 'in a rut'.

According to the publication, Manchester United will only allow their Spanish star to quit Old Trafford if Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas are made part of the deal.

The Red Devils pursuit of Ramos has stalled in recent weeks with Real Madrid reportedly unwillingly to negotiate an acceptable fee for the 29-year-old star. Ramos will only be allowed to leave Rafael Benitez' side if an enormous £60 million offer is made, a fee that the English giants have refused to match.

Navas could be an immediate replacement for De Gea in goals at the Theatre of Dreams despite the Costa Rican shot-stopper struggling for game time since his arrival in Madrid.

Manchester United have arrived on their pre-season tour to the USA with De Gea part of the squad - a sign that perhaps the player will not be making his return to La Liga this season.

Real Madrid have had an offer rejected by La Liga rivals Espanyol for the transfer of Kiko Casilla as they look to replace the outgoing Iker Casillas.