David De Gea to Real Madrid: Man Utd talks to begin once Alvaro Morata deal is completed

Manchester United are close to signing Real Madrid striker Morata as they aim to bounce back after an inconsistent first season under Jose Mourinho last term.

Though they won the EFL Cup and Europa League, the Red Devils managed just 54 Premier League goals from 38 games.

Mourinho was initially keen to sign both Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and Everton's Romelu Lukaku.

However, with Griezmann set to stay and Lukaku reportedly prioritising a move to Chelsea, United have been forced to settle for Morata.

Express Sport understands the Spain international has told close friends he is leaving for the Premier League giants, where he will once again work under Mourinho.

David De Gea transfer: Potential replacements for the Man Utd keeper

Thu, June 1, 2017

Click to reveal the stars linked with replacing David de Gea at Man Utd

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Manchester United could lose David De Gea to Real Madrid once they sign Alvaro Morata

The former Chelsea boss gave the 24-year-old his Madrid debut back in 2010 with the forward since establishing himself as one of the deadliest forwards in world football.

Morata bagged 15 goals from 14 La Liga starts last season - though spent much of the season playing second fiddle to the likes of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Rnaldo. 

However, Spanish outlet Don Balon claim the deal could pave the way for United losing De Gea.

The former Atletico Madrid shotstopper nearly moved to the Bernabeu in 2015, only for a faulty fax machine to scupper a deal. 

But, despite that, Real still harbour hopes of bringing the 26-year-old back to his homeland. 

Express Sport also understands that Manchester City's Joe Hart could replace De Gea if the Spain international decides to leave.

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Real Madrid will open talks with Manchester United for David De Gea once Alvaro Morata leaves

Hart spent last season on loan at Torino and, speaking in May, said he expects to be back in England next season - but not at City. 

"More than likely, I'd say, but that's me with no knowledge, I've got no firm contact with anybody, but whatever I'm doing I'd love to be permanent where I go," he said. 

"If it's back at Manchester City - which I don't see happening - then great, but other than that, another loan at my age I don't think is the right thing for me.

"I feel like people think I'm keeping something close to my chest, I'm not. 

"The goalkeeping world is a little bit crazy, it requires movement, I've still got two years at Manchester City, and the only certainty I've got is the next three games at Torino."