<
>

Keylor Navas 'relaxed' about David De Gea, Thibaut Courtois rumours

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas said he is "relaxed" about speculation that he could be replaced by either Manchester United's David De Gea or Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois at the Bernabeu next summer.

Navas almost moved to United in a swap deal involving De Gea in 2015, but then had a superb 2015-16 campaign as Madrid won the Champions League trophy, allaying all concerns about the club's goalkeeping position.

However, the Costa Rica international has been less consistent this season since a foot operation last summer, with some high-profile mistakes including an error in last weekend's 2-1 La Liga defeat at Sevilla leading to renewed rumours that Madrid would move for one of the two ex-Atletico Madrid goalkeepers currently starring in the Premier League.

Speaking after he had made a number of good saves in Saturday's 2-1 La Liga win at home to Malaga, Navas said he was not worried about his future.

"I am very relaxed," Navas said. "God gives me the peace to work, it is up to me to work hard, to make an effort and take my opportunities."

Madrid were far from their best against an injury-ravaged Malaga side, with Navas called upon on more than one occasion to keep his side on course for a much-needed victory which followed their two recent defeats.

"We try and play well and it is not always possible," Navas said. "Better moments will come. We know our objective, which is to win the title and we must keep battling for that. It was a difficult game. We know that when tough moments come we must get through them and move forwards."

Saturday's game also brought further injury woe for Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, with Luka Modric and Marcelo limping off to join Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Danilo and Fabio Coentrao unavailable.

Winger Lucas Vazquez filled in at right-back for most of the game, and afterwards told reporters at the stadium that he had no problems in that position.

"In this team it is easy to play in any position, for the quality of my teammates, they all make it easier," he said.

Madrid now go to Celta Vigo on Wednesday night looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg.

"We must play a serious game," Lucas said. "We will go for them from the start and look to score as many goals as possible. Together we will try and get the win we need."