Manchester United are reportedly steadfastly refusing to take the blame after David de Gea's long awaited transfer to Real Madrid fell through after the correct paperwork was not submitted before the European deadline.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Old Trafford sources say reports emerging from Spain claiming it was United's fault are not true. United, who lost out on Keylor Navas as a result of the mix-up, even insist they have proof their paperwork was sent in time.
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It is said that United therefore blame Real for missing the deadline at their end.
In a fresh twist, there are new reports that La Liga never received the paperwork from Real Madrid at all. Sky Sports' reporter Gary Cotterill said, "Im now hearing from the La Liga offices that they havent received any documentation about David de Gea at all! Not on time, not early, not minutes late, nothing at all."
According to Duncan Castles, writing for OneWorldSports, the hold-up came about because United's focus during the day had been on securing a deal for Monaco striker Anthony Martial.
As a result, they were unable to draw up a contract for the incoming Navas until much later on - it is said his image rights were still being discussed just minutes before the Spanish deadline.
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Whether Real could have helped speed things up to make de Gea theirs is also up for debate. According to the Independent, no official bid was made until Monday lunchtime. Even though the 24-year-old's half of the deal was agreed by about 6pm (UK time), had they started earlier in the day, there would have been more time to navigate the obstacles they encountered later on.
For now, at least, de Gea remains a Manchester United player and will most likely have to see out the remaining year of his contract. If for some reason, FIFA do side with Real Madrid and allow the deal to go through, United have until 6pm to register Navas before the UK deadline.