It seems no season is complete without Real Madrid plotting yet another attempt to lure David de Gea from Manchester United.

The Spaniard was a successful fax away from joining Los Blancos in the summer of the 2015-16 campaign, only for the deal to collapse due to paperwork not being submitted on time.

In hindsight, it’s remarkable to think how close United came to exchanging an indispensable member of their squad for £29 million plus Keylor Navas.

Now, after winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award three times running, De Gea has only galvanised the Red Devils’ will to retain his services, whatever the cost.

Unfortunately for Jose Mourinho, money has never been an obstacle for Madrid and his former employers are poised to rekindle their interest in the 27-year-old.

With another opportunity to join the Champions League holders likely to present itself in the summer, it is difficult to predict if De Gea will heed their call.

Irrespective of his mindset, it seems the Manchester club are less than certain their No. 1 will still be at Old Trafford next season.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

The Sun reports United have been planning his possible departure for some time and are ready to move for hand-picked replacements as required.

Should De Gea jet off to the Spanish capital, Everton’s Jordan Pickford is thought to be top of the list following an impressive first season on Merseyside.

Having left Sunderland in a £30 million switch only last June, the 23-year-old has settled into life as an Everton player remarkably quickly.

Mourinho and his staff are big fans of Pickford and would be content with seeing the back of their current goalkeeper if he is the man to succeed him.

United would be asked to cough up significantly more than what Everton paid for him, and the Sun believe £50 million is a realistic price tag.

IS PICKFORD THE RIGHT CHOICE?

As good as Pickford is for a stopper of his age, filling the void De Gea would leave is a challenge most goalkeepers would probably fail.

However, the England international has demonstrated incredible potential in just a couple of seasons and his standing in the eyes of Mourinho is not something to be sneezed at.

There’s no question United would prefer to keep their current man between the sticks, but Pickford certainly has the makings of a suitable replacement if it comes to it.

Do you think Pickford could be the right man to replace De Gea if he leaves? Let us know what you think in the comments.