Transfer gossip: De Gea is almost certainly Real Madrid bound

Not De Gea to stay

Spain's Marca newspaper suggest that David de Gea is all but guaranteed to be manning the sticks at the Bernabeu next season. They claim that the Manchester United guardian won't be allowed to leave for anything less than €40m but that won't prove an obstacle. Interestingly, they don't equate the 24-year-old's arrival to the automatic departure of Iker Casillas, who may yet hang around regardless.

It's okay - Lou has a list

The Sun, amongst others, report that United are already planning for life without De Gea by drawing up a list of replacements. It sounds as though Louis van Gaal was especially frank with the written press about his contingency plans should the Spaniard leave. The suggestion is that Van Gaal already knows who will be replacing the current incumbent - but he ain't telling, the absolute tease.

Mersey paradise for Milner

Proving that a world exists beyond the wispy presence of the long-limbed line lingerer, the Mirror report on the future of James Milner. According to the tabloid, the Boring One has his heart set on a free transfer to Liverpool, and will spurn the attentions of Arsenal to make it happen. Part of what attracts the former Leeds man to Anfield is their proximity to his current abode...and the promise of £100k a week does no harm either.

Best of the rest

*Tim Sherwood has warned Christian Benteke that a move away from Aston Villa could jeopardise his place in Belgium's Euro 2016 squad. (Birmingham Mail) *Jamie Carragher reckons Gareth Bale should return to the Premier League where he will be appreciated and allowed to flourish again. (Daily Mail)  *Wilfried Bony expects to form a 'scary' partnership with Sergio Aguero next season. We assume he means scary good. (Guardian) *Famous hat wearer Petr Cech could be on his way to Paris St-Germain, despite interest from Arsenal. (Daily Mirror) *Paul Ince says his son, Hull City midfielder Tom Ince, is every bit as talented as Gareth Bale. Presumably Ince Sr was doing a banter. (Times)