Real Madrid president Florentino Perez caused tongues to start wagging when praising goalkeeper Keylor Navas at a fans event last week.
It’s been rumoured that Real were on the lookout for a new shot stopper but the Daily Express’ Aaron Stokes suggests Perez may have used it as an opportunity to play down the club’s interest in Manchester United’s David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea.
The two keepers have been linked with Real Madrid for a number of years and the Spanish giants famously missed out on getting De Gea due to an error with the fax machine in 2015. The Spain number one is currently in talks with United over a new deal which could keep him in England until 2023 so now would be a good time for Los Blancos to follow up any interest.
Courtois is in a similar position with Chelsea but is said to be stalling over a new deal which has been fuelling rumours the Belgian stopper is holding out for a move to the Bernabeu.
31-year-old Navas has made it clear he wants to see out the remaining two years of his contract at Real Madrid but pressure has been mounting for the club to bring in a top quality keeper to replace him as first choice.
De Gea, Courtois and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak have been put forward as possible targets in a major rebuilding program at the Bernabeu this summer.
What did Perez say about Navaz at the Supporters Group?
Perez attended the 30th anniversary event for the Ramon Mendoza Supporters Group where Navaz was inducted as an honorary member of the fans’ group.
Presenting the honour, Perez said: “This club has had a very important gesture as it is to name one of our players, Keylor Navas, honorary partner.
“I want to tell you, Keylor, that you have won the love and affection of all the Madridistas.
“Simply, because you earned it with your talent, that you have a lot, and also with your professionalism, but also with your behaviour, because you have identified a lot with our values.
“It is a pride for all to have you porter, whatever they say about, or whatever they say others but in the Madrid you know what that is, the daily work.
“You work a lot and you will be with us for many years.”
