Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United and Chelsea made David De Gea bids, claim Atletico Madrid
Sir Alex Ferguson has played down talk of a summer swoop for David de Gea, after Atletico Madrid claimed Manchester United and Chelsea have both made bids for the highly-rated keeper.[LNB]With Edwin van der Sar due to retire in the summer, Ferguson is in the hunt for a new No 1 keeper and 20-year-old De Gea, rated at ?22.5million, is on United's list of potential successors.[LNB]Reports emerged in Spain on Tuesday night claiming a transfer has already been agreed with Atletico for De Gea with the young Spaniard's agent Jorge Mendes in England to finalise terms.[LNB] Shot stopper: David de Gea is on United's list of potential successors to Edwin van der Sar[LNB]However, after watching his side book their place in the last four of the Champions League, Ferguson refused to give credence to the reports.[LNB]'On Italian television I am supposed to be signing two players from Italy tonight, so I can place that story along with those,' he said.[LNB]'There is always speculation about who we are going to sign. So many people throw names at me. I can't answer it.'[LNB]Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin also denied the claims but did reveal that Chelsea had also submitted a surprise offer for the player along with United.[LNB]He said: 'We've received offers from both United and Chelsea for De Gea. He also has an offer from us to renew his deal. We'd like him to stay here but David's future is entirely in his own hands.'[LNB]'Mendes is in England, but it is for nothing related to De Gea. He doesn't have any power from Atletico to negotiate for the player. [LNB]'At the end of the season we will see if (De Gea) he goes or if he remains. If he wants to go, we will refer to his buy-out clause. As of today, Atletico count on him for next season.'[LNB] Flying Dutchman: Veteran keeper Van der Sar intends to retire from football at the end of the season[LNB]Instead, Ferguson confirmed he intendsto fly to Germany to watch Schalke take on Inter Milan tonight, with the winner set to meet United in the Champions League semi-final later this month.[LNB]Schalke, who have another goalkeeper United are keen on in Manuel Neuer, areoverwhelming favourites, although having dispatched Chelsea 3-1 on aggregate, Ferguson has no need to fear anyone, particularly with Ryan Giggs in such fine form.[LNB]Hands on: Fergie will watch Schalke's Manuel Neuer against Inter Milan[LNB]Giggswas credited with the assist for both United goals, crossing for JavierHernandez to put them ahead before chipping a brilliant pass to Park Ji-sung after Didier Drogba had threatened a Chelsea comeback.[LNB]'We have said it so many times about the man. He is just incredible,' said Ferguson.[LNB]'He is a unique person and player, who has made a great contribution to this tie. His experience and composure were vital. Ryan has fantastic balance. He has never lost that.[LNB]'He is also lucky in that he has a superb physique. He has never carried any weight and looks after himself. You need to make tremendous sacrifice to still be playing at 37.'[LNB]Ferguson must now get his players together for the mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.[LNB]The United boss has previously stated their is a potential for chaos given it falls on the same weekend as the London Marathon, whilst the capital is also hosting Arsenal against Liverpool on Sunday.[LNB]However, Ferguson concedes there were not many alternatives.[LNB]'I don't know where you could have played it,' he said. 'You can get 90,000 people into Wembley. That is the reason it is there.[LNB]'You could say in the current economic climate it is a bit unfair for fans to travel but for our fans and City fans, they are just delighted to be in a semi-final.'[LNB] De Gea and Rodwell top shopping list as Fergie eyes three signingsFiring squad: Hernandez and Park send United through and leave Ancelotti's future in the balanceMartin Keown's Match Zone: Vintage Giggs still runs the show for UnitedAll the latest Manchester United, news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Didier Drogba, Park Ji-sung, Edwin Van Der Sar Places: Liverpool, Spain, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom
