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Louis van Gaal: Real Madrid refuses to meet asking price for David De Gea

Carl Recine / Reuters

Manager Louis van Gaal isn't a fan of Real Madrid's negotiating tactics as the Spanish giants attempt to lure David De Gea away from Manchester United.

The Dutch boss claims Madrid has failed to meet the team's estimate of what they feel is a fair price for De Gea.

"No, I don't think so," Van Gaal told reporters when asked if he felt Real Madrid had offered enough money for the Spanish 'keeper.

"We are asking money and they have to pay money. In recent years Manchester United have paid a lot of money on players and not received a lot for our players.

"He's the best goalkeeper we've had for the last three years, I believe.

"The last two years he was nominated by the fans as the best player at the club. Do you think the coach wants him to leave? I don't think so. The player still has to manage this situation."

Negotiations between the teams have been ongoing for weeks, leading Van Gaal to leave De Gea off the team sheet for United's opening match against Tottenham because of his concerns about the 'keeper's fragile state of mind.

"We've observed him in training sessions and matches and he's not the David de Gea of last year," Van Gaal added.

"He tries and does (his) utmost best, but it's a difficult situation. Now we have to play our first match and I want players who can focus only on the match and he is not capable to do that.

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