Van de Beek has been linked with both United and Real on and off for a number of months – he was previously rumoured to be an alternative target to Paul Pogba at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The latest speculation on his future comes from Marca in Spain and claims that despite Real already having an agreement with Van de Beek, United are interested in making a late offer.
With Real ultimately making no real effort to land Pogba last summer, or even Christian Eriksen, it is suggested that Van de Beek was intended to join Los Blancos then. However, with the club failing to move on Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez to raise money, a deal couldn’t be completed.
Quoting an unnamed Dutch report, Marca claims that Real will have to ‘renounce’ their alleged agreement with Van de Beek if United are to be successful in signing the Dutchman. It is also claimed that United are aware it will be difficult to secure the deal but ‘will try nonetheless’.
Despite the links with Van de Beek, the midfield rebuild at Old Trafford this summer has so far been geared towards domestic targets. Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish is high up the list of priorities, ahead of Leicester's James Maddison.
United’s summer transfer business is also going to be at least somewhat shaped by whether Pogba stays or leaves, with a departure looking less and less likely in light of the latest rumours.
Last week, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, ‘You can expect Paul to be here’ in reference to next season. That statement backed up a recent report that Pogba is keen to stay at United and could sign a new contract, despite that not looking likely only a few months ago.
Assuming Pogba stays, complementing January signing Bruno Fernandes, there is a lessened need for a player with Van de Beek’s attributes, unlike in Madrid where Real are at a critical stage of their own ongoing squad rebuild.
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Source : 90min