Manchester United: Red Devils plot Claudio Bravo move in case De Gea departs Old Trafford in summer

Manchester United are plotting a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo should David de Gea leave the club in the summer. Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the Spanish stopper after a failed bid last summer, which was due to a delay in the submission of some paperwork before deadline.

The Spanish capital club are expected to return with another bid in the summer despite the Spain international signing a new deal earlier in the season, which will see him remain at Old Trafford at least until the summer of 2019. De Gea has re-established himself as one of the best goalkeeper's in the world with some assured displays for the Red Devils this season. He has publicly thanked United fans for supporting him despite the transfer fiasco last summer, which makes it unlikely that he will leave the club.

According to Spanish magazine Don Balon, the 20-time English champions have identified the Chile international as the perfect replacement for the former Atletico Madrid star. Bravo has been impressive this season for the Catalan giants having conceded just nine goals in 16 league appearances.

The 32-year-old, who is contracted to Barcelona until 2018, has kept Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen out of the team with his impressive performances. Bravo is also subject to interest from clubs in Italy, according to the report.

The current La Liga leaders, however, are reluctant to let the former Real Sociedad stopper leave and are hoping to begin talks over an improved contract. The club are also keen on increasing the goalkeeper's release clause, which currently stands at €15m ($16.2m, £11.4m).

Apart from the Spaniard, the Old Trafford club have been linked with a summer move for Kasper Schmeichel, who has impressed with some top performances for surprise Premier League title challengers Leicester City.