Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has intimated that Real Madrid are yet to table a realistic offer for unsettled goalkeeper David de Gea.
One of the most discussed transfer sagas of the summer shows no sign of abating as the Spaniard is poised to be dropped for today's Premier League opener with Tottenham Hotspur.
Van Gaal claimed that the 24-year-old cannot "handle" first-team duties amid intense speculation linking him with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"No, I don't think so," the Dutchman is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News after being asked whether or not Real had matched United's valuation.
"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."
Sergio Romero or Sam Johnstone will deputise for De Gea - whose contract expires next summer - in this afternoon's visit of Spurs to Old Trafford.
De Gea joined the Red Devils from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
Shane Callaghan
