JSP, I know you always say player swaps hardly ever happen and I agree with you. But I can see us pushing for this in these circumstances. Madrid don't have the kind of cash prem teams have and I can see them willing on this occasion. The thing is, they aren't going to let their best players go. They want Mbappe I think, at 100m (really!).
The De Gea deal is going to drag, he wants to go but wont ask, united can hang on to him I think for 3 more seasons so are strong and Madrid want other large money signings. There is also a rumour De Gea wont go until Navas is sold, as he is popular in the dressing room and doesn't want to upset the apple cart.
out of possible swaps, who would we want
Bale - i don't think he would want to leave, sounds like Madrid might fed up with him though. Hes a bit injury prone for me.
Kroos - I just don't see this one as possible in any way.
James - We would need cash as well but if we Griezmann do we need him?
Morata - possible
Varane.
I think whoever said it is correct, we don't need the cash so we can be strong and hold out for a player we want, not one they don't want. But no doubt it will drag.
Out of all of those I think I would want Varane, as long as we sign Griezmann and Sanches (Bayern) If we sell Martial then I would look at Morata too