Real Madrid blame Manchester United for the collapsed De Gea deal

One of the principal actors in the David de Gea transfer saga has broken their silence, and you'll be surprised to learn that Real Madrid are blaming Manchester United for the collapsed transfer. United have been claiming all night that they got their paperwork in on time, but Madrid see things otherwise, and have released a statement. In short:

• they did everything right and on time;

• it's all Manchester United's fault for dragging their feet over the paperwork;

• there isn't a third bulletpoint.

In slightly longer, and with thanks to Mr G. Translate: Madrid are blaming United for not opening negotiations until yesterday morning, then taking ages to agree terms with Keylor Navas, then submitting the De Gea information to the TMS transfer matching system too late. Presumably United will have their say shortly.

Notable by its omission is any mention of an appeal: we don't know for sure, but it certainly seems as though Madrid have given this one up.