Real Madrid are running out of time to activate de Gea clause

If Real Madrid are to swoop for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, they'll want to do it quickly. That's because various news outlets are today running with a story (that seems to originate behind the Times' paywall) that a 'special exit clause' in the Spanish shot-stopper's contract expires on Wednesday. Per the Mirror:

According to the Times a ‘special exit clause' expires this week - meaning Real will be forced to act or risk missing out on the man they have been desperate to land since identifying him as Iker Casillas' natural successor.

Of course, that doesn't actually tell us what the 'special exit clause' actually is, though presumably it's a set sum which United would be forced to accept, leaving Madrid having to only negotiate terms with the player himself. Of course, the expiry of such a clause would strengthen United's hand considerably, with de Gea then effectively tied down for the three seasons that remain on the contract he signed when his move to Madrid fell through on deadline day last summer.

At the time, it was thought de Gea's new deal was merely an act of decency to United, allowing them to pick up a significant sum when Madrid moved back in and merely activated a clause a season later. However, Florentino Pérez will have to act quickly if this is still the plan.