Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged his former club to sell goalkeeper David de Gea in order to land Gareth Bale from Real Madrid, according to reports from the Express.

De Gea has been heavily linked with a move out of Old Trafford amid interest from Real, with reports suggesting that the two clubs were considering a potential swap deal.

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The Red Devils have been reluctant to let go of their star shot-stopper, and have been attempting to tie him down on a new contract.

However, Parker insists that if De Gea is looking to move to Spain, then it will be in Man United’s best interest to do all they can to bring Bale back to the Premier League.

"Should player-of-the-season David De Gea be unwilling to put pen to paper on a new contract, United must do everything they can to exchange him for Bale with Madrid,” he said.

"The Welshman, 25, exemplifies what United represent as a club - pace, directness, shooting ability and goals."

Parker went on to add that with the Wales star in manager Louis van Gaal’s line-up, there is no reason why United can’t challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City for the title next season.

"The Welshman has everything to get the Old Trafford faithful off their seats, like my old teammate Eric Cantona,” Parker continued.

"And Bale could be even better because he is much quicker than the Frenchman.

"After two years of underachievement in the Premier League, United badly need Bale to challenge for the title again and breathe life into their supporters.

"Without Bale, they will again finish behind the impressive Chelsea in 2015-2016."

Bale has played 32 games for the European champions this season, scoring 16 goals.

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