Reality of the situation which I was pointing out is: -
IF player wants to leave to go to Madrid.
Madrid offers big money.
=
Our only real option is to sell him. Not saying he wants to or Madrid are interested (although I only thought it was a matter of time before they came knocking).
But I believe his girlfriend does still live in Spain so in some ways, this story would make sense.
However it doesn't worry me too much, as a keeper can be replaced.
Money is not a problem for ManUtd.
And re your last point, yeah it worked really well between Great Dane's exit and VDS signing.