The fact that David De Gea remains at Manchester United, inspite of the almost constant train of reports of deals being made, personal terms being agreed and fees being met, is something of a surprise.
As United boss Louis van Gaal brings in Argentine goalkeeper, Sergio Romero from Sampdoria as competition, the position of the Spaniard remains shrouded in mystery.
Cillessen misses Ajax Champions League game
Now, as The Guardian reports, Ajax keeper and reported United target, Jasper Cillessen may miss Ajax's Champions League qualifying tie with Rapid Wien, due to injury.
If Dutchman Cillessen misses out, he may avoid becoming cup-tied in Europe. Such a position, could see Van Gaal move for De Gea's potential replacement, allowing the current United number one, to finally make the move to Real Madrid.
Like Memphis Depay, Cillessen was part of Louis Van Gaal's Dutch national side that came third during the World Cup last summer. The 26 year-old was infamously replaced by Newcastle's Tim Krul for the quarter-final penalty shootout, versus Costa Rica.
Cillessen has made 66 appearances for de Godenzonen, since joining from Eredivisie rivals NEC for £3m, in 2011. The Ajax shot-stopper has little top-level experience however, which would raise concerns as to his suitability for the Premier League's inherent status as 'toughest league in the world.'
Cillessen could replace De Gea
With a goalkeeping unit of Romero and Cillessen, doubts would linger over whether that would be the foundations of a title-winning squad. When one considers De Gea's role last term as the man who - literally single handedly - won games for The Red Devils, the pressure on the new incumbent's shoulders, will be huge.
Should David De Gea remain at Manchester United, as seems more possible by the day - with Sergio Ramos set to sign a new deal at The Bernabeu - rumours of a move for Jasper Cillessen may still prove academic, as Ajax boss Frank De Boer, will hope.