File of goalkeeper David de Gea after his proposed transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid apparently fell through on Monday (31st August) due to late paperwork.

Script: The transfer window in Spain closed on Monday evening without a deal announced for the expected move of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea to Real Madrid.

The £29m move has reportedly collapsed because the required paperwork wasn't submitted on time.

Neither side are taking responsibility for the sudden drama, with United insisting it can show time-stamped receipts to prove they met the transfer rules.

It was unclear whether the clubs would appeal to league authorities or FIFA in an attempt to push the deal through.

Madrid and United had been negotiating a deal that included Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas moving the other way.

If the deal does fall through, De Gea could be forced to return to United despite having been dropped from the team by manager Louis van Gaal as the talks dragged on. Van Gaal has said De Gea had his heart set on a move back to his hometown.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly considering a final bid for West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino in an attempt to bring the striker to White Hart Lane.