David De Gea botched deal row escalates

The war of words between Old Trafford and the Bernabeu escalated last night after Manchester United issued a statement insisting Real Madrid were to blame for the collapse of David de Gea’s proposed transfer.

The day after De Gea’s £29m (€40m) move to the Spanish capital was called off, Madrid pointed the finger at United, issuing a lengthy 10-point statement claiming officials at Old Trafford held the deal up with their delays.

But United hit back at their old rivals by publishing a counter-statement last night. The statement read: “Manchester United acts appropriately and efficiently in its transfer dealings. The club is delighted its fan-favourite double Player of the Year, David de Gea, remains a Manchester United player.” In their 443-word statement, Madrid claimed they had to wait until Monday — deadline day in Spain — to “open any channel of negotiation’” with United over De Gea.