David de Gea’s transfer to Real Madrid from Manchester United could be on the rocks after deadline ‘is missed’

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea’s proposed transfer to Real Madrid appeared to be scuppered on Monday night as the move was not listed in the transfers registered by the Spanish Professional League.

Madrid seemed set to conclude the long-running transfer saga with a deal that would see the Spanish giants pay up to 30 million euros (HK$260 million) for De Gea, with Costa Rican international goalkeeper Keylor Navas moving to United.

Initial reports suggested that the documentation needed to formalise the transfer wasn’t completed before the Spanish transfer window closed at midnight local time.

However, subsequent reports in the Spanish media claimed Madrid will attempt to demonstrate to the football authorities that all the documentation was in place before the deadline.

De Gea has just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, meaning he could join Madrid for free next year if the transfer doesn’t go through now.

The Spanish international hasn’t featured in any of United’s six games so far this season with manager Louis van Gaal claiming the 24-year-old wasn’t focused at the English giants due to Madrid’s interest.