United have set aside £120m to make a huge bid to bring Bale back to the Premier League in the summer.
But Real have previously said they will only consider letting Bale leave if they can get De Gea as part of the deal.
United remain hopeful that they can get De Gea - one of their most impressive performers in the first half of the season - to commit his long-term future to the club.
But reports this morning suggest that the Spanish stopper will make a decision based on what feels right, rather than money.
GETTY
David De Gea is wanted by Real Madrid
David De Gea is tempted by a return to Madrid
United are said to be ready to offer De Gea a salary in the region of £200,000-a-week to stick around, but the lure of a return to Madrid, where the 24-year-old previously played for Atletico could be too strong to resist.
And reports in Spain suggest that could see United go back to Real to try and negotiate a deal for Bale.
It now remains to be seen whether De Gea can be persuaded to stay put and exactly what that will mean for United's pursuit of Bale at the end of the season.
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