Pre-season Transfer Speculation & Rumours(2010)

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Man United and Chelsea face £25m fee for Atletico Madrid star

Manchester United and Chelsea have been quoted a staggering £25million to sign Atletico Madrid’s teenage sensation keeper David De Gea.

The 19-year-old has been a revelation since he displaced Sergio Asenjo and played in their victorious Europa League Final side against Fulham. De Gea was named in Spain’s initial 30-man World Cup squad but did not make their final 23-man pool.

Yet after Asenjo arrived at Atletico for £4.7m from Vallodolid last summer, De Gea was offered to Stoke City for just £1.4m at the start of the season.

Potters’ boss Tony Pullis decided against taking the teenager and may live to regret that decision. In recent weeks United and Chelsea have both made enquiries for De Gea but were staggered when they were quoted £25m before Atletico Madrid would even consider selling.

Yet Stoke aren’t the only side kicking themselves over missing out.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp made an enquiry about signing Asenjo last season and also turned down the chance to sign De Gea. Chelsea, along with Arsenal, are also in the hunt for Spanish teenage sensation Paco Alcacer.

Along with a host of other English clubs they will be at the final of the European Under-17 Championship in Liechstenstein today when Spain take on England.

The primary target will be the 16-year-old known as “Paco” at his club Valencia.

He has been the star of Spain’s run to the final and would cost a nominal fee.

Source: The Mirror (Football)