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LONDON. — Louis van Gaal has instructed Manchester United to sell David De Gea. The United boss wants to draw a line under De Gea’s contract stand-off before the new English Premier League season kicks off in five days’ time. Van Gaal believes it makes sense for vice-chairman Ed Woodward to broker a deal with Real Madrid rather than keep an unhappy player at the club.

And De Gea’s departure would pave the way for United to make a £25million swoop for Ajax No. 1 Jasper Cillessen.

Van Gaal has illustrated with his willingness to allow Argentine winger Angel di Maria to Paris St Germain at a £20million loss that he only wants players who are fully committed to his philosophy.

That means United will now allow De Gea to realise his dream of joining Real Madrid – if the Spanish giants come up with a more realistic offer.

Madrid’s opening gambit of £15million was never going to tempt United to sell – despite the fact that De Gea has less than 12 months left on his contract.

But an offer of £25million will get the deal done. And Sergio Ramos’ decision to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu means United are now willing to open talks over De Gea without asking for the central defender to be included in any deal. Cillessen is Van Gaal’s choice to replace De Gea following a recommendation from goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek.

He wants Woodward to tie up a deal for the Dutch international before next Saturday’s season-opener against Tottenham.

Cillessen (26) played in Ajax’s 2-2 Champions League qualifying draw at Rapid Vienna in midweek and will not be eligible to play for United in the competition if the Dutch club go through to the group stages.

Van Gaal has made it clear that he is happy to put his faith in new Argentine recruit Sergio Romero if that scenario develops. Meanwhile, Manchester United will not give up on their world record pursuit of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

With £59.7 million Angel Di Maria heading for Paris Saint-Germain Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal’s desire to make a “galactico” signing has grown even stronger. — The Mirror.