Thought David De Gea was destined for Real Madrid? It might not be that simple any more...It’s the transfer saga of the summer: when will Manchester United and Real Madrid reach an agreement over David De Gea?

A deal that looked inevitable in June has rumbled on for weeks, with the Spaniard recently departing these shores to join United’s exciting summer recruits on their pre-season trip to the United States.

Which got us thinking. What if De Gea actually stayed? It’s hardly the most inconceivable of outcomes – after all, the bookies have reigned in their expectations, rating him at an unimpressive 7-4 to remain at Old Trafford next season.

Here are seven reasons why he’ll pull on the number one jersey for Louis van Gaal’s side next season...

1) Iker Casillas’ shameful treatment

What did Casillas have to do to receive a fitting send-off from Real Madrid? The tears that trickled down the stopper’s cheeks at a lonely press conference should be a warning to De Gea: while Florentino Perez is in charge, life may not be rosy. Perez masterminded the infamous ‘galacticos’ project, recruiting attacking stars often at the detriment to the team’s balance. He does not care for the defence. Is this really the best time for De Gea to join Real Madrid?

2) Hugo Lloris is injured

There was a clear plan in place: De Gea would move to Real Madrid, Ed Woodward would nervously dial Daniel Levy’s digits, Hugo Lloris would swap Spurs for United for a hugely inflated fee. That proposal is now in jeopardy. Lloris could miss the start of the Premier League season with a broken wrist, plunging doubt over any transfer. Jasper Cillessen is the other rumoured target – a bloke Van Gaal didn’t trust to save penalties at the World Cup. If there’s no replacement, there can be no sale. Because…

3) Victor Valdes was left behind from the club’s pre-season tour

Why would you leave Valdes behind without first issuing a reason? Unless, of course, you planned to cull him from the squad. Anders Lindegaard and Sam Johnstone, the two men preferred for the trip along with De Gea, are not going to challenge for the number one jersey next season. Van Gaal is preparing for the upcoming campaign and, crucially, sees De Gea in his plans and not Valdes.

4) De Gea could be swayed by monster signings

‘I quite fancy playing with that Bastian chap’. The quickfire double signing of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin has caused optimism to balloon at Old Trafford, with Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian also offering a fresh element to the squad. With that quartet – and a couple more additions, a centre-back in particular – United can challenge on both domestic and continental fronts. A positive experience in the States and some good team bonding could convince De Gea his future remains in Manchester.

5) The deadline has passed

It emerged on Monday that United had reportedly handed Real Madrid a 24-hour ultimatum to make progress on the transfer. If true, that deadline has now passed and negotiations do not appear to have taken off.

6) …and even if it hasn’t, United want Sergio Ramos as part of the deal – and that looks unlikely

In a new twist, Marca reported that Real Madrid have made Sergio Ramos captain for next season. Some sources claim he wants to leave, others – his mum in particular – admit he’ll probably stay. But whatever his mindset, this latest revelation (again, if true) means Real are unlikely to sell. And if they’re not budging, then United have every right to remain aloof.

7) United can take the financial hit

 Ed Woodward, social media’s newest hero, might consider making a calculated gamble: risk losing De Gea for free BUT, if it’s a successful season, potentially tie him down to a new deal. All they need is a disastrous Rafa Benitez start, a buoyant Old Trafford regularly chanting De Gea’s name and Van Gaal offering his stopper more than meek praise. It's practically official: David De Gea is remaining at Manchester United next season.

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