Manchester United are set to become the new Galacticos if reports today are to be believed. It is claimed that Louis van Gaal will be handed at least another £100m to spend next summer to restore United to their former glory.
According to The Guardian, United are "planning another summer transfer splurge" to follow the £150m they spent last summer on crocks such as Radamel Falcao, last seen in action sometime in October. The paper claims that among the players on Van Gaal's wishlist are Roma's Kevin Strootman, "who would cost around £30m", Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, a snip at £35m, Barcelona's Dani Alves, practically being given away at £15m, and Arjen Robben, who would cost "no less than £40m".
That's not all, Metro thiks the spending could begin in January, but reports that Atletico Madrid have told Manchester United that if they want to get their hands on Uruguayan ace Diego Godin they'll have to cough up the cash like there's no tomorrow.
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With Van Gaal on the prowl for some rock solid defenders in next month's transfer market there have been reports of what Metro describes as a "£16m move" for Godin. But when that figure was put to Madrid boss Diego Simeone, he laughed out loud. "How much? It must be a mistake," chuckled the former Argentine international. He didn't say how much he'd want for the 28-year-old but the speculation puts in in the region of £25m.
The Sun believes another defender is in Van Gaal's sights and adds the name of Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne to the list of targets.
Elsewhere, and there will be no Cech-mate for Arsenal or Liverpool next month after the agent of out-of-favour Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech ruled out a move away from Stamford Bridge in the new year.
Talksport reports that the 32-year-old Czech gloveman – who has fallen behind Thibaut Courtois in Jose Mourinho's affections – will not be walking away from the Premier League leaders despite rumours in recent weeks linking the veteran with both the Emirates and Anfield. Italian side Roma has also been mentioned as a possible destination for Cech, who has 18 months to run on his current contract. But in conversation with Italian broadcaster Rete Sport Cech's agent Viktor Kolar brushed aside the speculation as nothing more than idle gossip, saying: "There has not been contact with Roma and certainly Petr isn't going to be moving in the January transfer window."
And Talksport also claims that Liverpool face further competition in their bid to sign Andre-Pierre Gignac from French league leaders Marseille. Inter Milan were known to be keen on the French frontman, who has netted 11 goals in just 15 appearances this season, but now Galatasaray have joined the fray. Taking French rag La Provence as its source, Talksport says that the Turkish club sees 28-year-old Gignac as the man to spearhead their "bid to win their 20th league title".
Meanwhile Arsenal might need to start planning for life after playmaker Santi Cazorla, with the Daily Express reporting that the 29-year-old Spaniard is "keen on a return to La Liga" at the end of the season. Cazorla arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2012 and has been a regular ever since, sparking last season's FA Cup Final comeback against Hull. But the Express says sources in Spain indicate that the midfield dynamo "wants to leave next summer" even though his contract runs until the end of the 2015-16 season. As to Cazorla's likely destination, the Express says that he is being monitored by Atletico Madrid although other Spanish clubs could join the chase nearer the time.
