Man Utd transfer window 2015: from Memphis to Martial

Man Utd transfer news: Sterling keen on Old Trafford switch

05 June

Wantaway Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling appears to have decided that if he is going to upset the Kop he might as well do it properly, and is reportedly mulling over a move to Manchester United.

According to The Guardian, Sterling is "open to a move" to Old Trafford, and the only things holding him back are one or two concerns about how the transfer "would be received given the fierce rivalry between the clubs".

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The Reds frontman has been strongly linked with Real Madrid in recent days but the Guardian says Sterling is keenly aware of United's interest and likes the prospect of working under Louis van Gaal. But as the paper points out no player has moved between the two clubs since 1964 when Phil Chisnall was transferred from Old Trafford to Anfield. Nonetheless the Guardian says that United are serious about making a move for Sterling and were they to do so "it would test the resolve of Liverpool" who would expect a hostile reaction from their fans.

If he does make the move to Old Trafford Sterling could also find himself playing in the same team as Angel di Maria, who has confirmed that he will stay at Man United next season, despite an underwhelming first season in England and talk of a move to France with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine has admitted that the "Premier League is much harder than he anticipated", says the Daily Mail, but the paper adds that United's £60m man has let it be known that he will "move back to Manchester for next season" after the Copa America.

And are United close to capturing Barcelona right-back Dani Alves? According to Caughtoffside, which takes its sources from Spanish news outlet Fichajes "a pre-contract agreement has been reached" between the Red Devils and the 32-year-old Barca defender.

Though the defender has said he won't make any official decision until after tomorrow's Champions League final, Caughtoffside reports that Alves will join United not because of a better pay deal but because he "simply wants to feel valued". For United's part, manager Louis van Gaal has been desperate to show up his defence with centre-back Chris Smalling and midfielder Antonio Valencia having to play right-back this season and neither convincing.

The news will not amuse PSG boss Laurent Blanc who recently ruled his club out of the race to sign Alves, and accused the Brazilian of fuelling talk of a Barcelona exit just to get a better deal at the Camp Nou.

Man Utd transfer news: De Gea and Van Persie could leave

03 June

Manchester United are in danger of losing two key players this summer, with goalkeeper David de Gea inching towards a move to Real Madrid and striker Robin van Persie admitting that his future at Old Trafford in uncertain.

It is a tale of two cities for The Times, which reports that in Madrid, Real are "convinced that they have won the battle" to lure keeper De Gea to the Spanish capital, while in Manchester, United are "all but resigned" to losing their player of the season.

United were willing to pay De Gea £200,000-a-week, but the paper says the Spaniard would prefer to move home to Spain and believes his chances of winning the Champions League and establishing himself as Spanish number one are greater there. If he does go United will demand a fee of at least £29m, says the paper.

More bad news from Madrid concerns Gareth Bale, as the Times notes United are unlikely to be able to use De Gea as makeweight in a swap deal as new manager Rafa Benitez sees the Welshman as central to his plans.

Meanwhile, striker Robin van Persie, has "admitted he is at a crossroads" in his Manchester United career, says the Daily Mirror. The striker who managed just ten goals last season only has one year left to run on his contract and his admission "will alert Juventus and Fenerbahce, who are interested in the Holland striker".

Van Persie, who missed most of the second half of last season, said he wanted to play every week next term and insisted "I feel fantastic and I think I'll surprise many people by playing for many more years".

Louis van Gaal's hunt for a defender continues with the Daily Telegraph claiming that United have entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid central defender Joao Miranda. United almost signed the 30-year-old Brazil international last summer but the deal fell through at the last minute, with Atletico's £22m price tag blamed for the collapse.

Man Utd transfer news: De Gea won't rule out Madrid switch

02 June

Unsettled Man United David De Gea is taking it easy on holiday and has obviously decided not to let uncertainty over his future get in the way of his relaxation. Talksport reports that when the Spanish press caught up with him to ask about the possibility of a move to Real Madrid this summer, the stopper simply shrugged but also refused to rule it out.

Quizzed about rumours he has refused to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, De Gea kept his cards close to his sunbronzed chest. "We will see what happens regarding my future," he announced. "Right now I'm on holiday."

Talksport reports that Madrid are pulling out all the stops to sign De Gea and on Sunday he was officially honoured as an "adopted son" of the Castilla La Mancha region in Madrid, where he grew up and where he played his early football for Atletico Madrid.

But if De Gea does leave United this summer it won't be Hugo Lloris taking his peg in the dressing room. The Independent reports that the Tottenham keeper will be staying at White Hart Lane, despite increased speculation in recent weeks that the Frenchman would be moving on. "There have been a lot of rumours, but Hugo wants to stay with us and we are happy with him too," said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. The 28-year-old, who made 35 league appearances for the Lilywhites this season, signed for Tottenham from Lyon for £10m in August 2012. And Pochettino confidently declared: "He is happy and everything else is just rumour."

Finally, United look likely to miss out on Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, as do Paris Saint-German, who have also been linked to the 32-year-old veteran, after claims that the player's threats to quit the Camp Nou when his contract expires this summer were all part of a cunning plan to get a better offer at Barca.

According to the Manchester Evening News that's prompted PSG boss Laurent Blanc to take a swipe Alves. "I can say that Dani Alves will not come to PSG," declared Blanc when asked if he was closing in on the Brazilian. "Alves' contract with Barcelona is ending and he wants to renew with them. At the end of the day, this is all a game." Last week Alves said he didn't feel "respected" at Barcelona but if Blanc is to be believed, it's all an attempt to increase his wages with the Champions League finalists.

Man Utd transfer news: £35m for Otamendi, shock Dante move

27 May

Not a penny more and not a penny less, that's more or less the message Manchester United have received from Valencia over defender Nicolas Otamendi.

The Spanish club have slapped a £35m price tag on the sought-after star and according to the Daily Star, they "are prepared to dig their heels in" over any attempts to lure him away.

It's reported that United value Otamendi at just £21m, a figure that was greeted with derision in Spain. It's no secret that United boss Louis van Gaal regards the stopper as his "top defensive target" but it remains to be seen if he'll meet Valencia's valuation.

The player's agent, Eugenio Lopez, said recently that he will "do everything possible" to facilitate a move away from Valencia for Otamendi, a declaration that was given short shrift by the club's executive president Amadeo Salvo. "Otamendi is a Valencia player and if he wants to leave I wait for him to tell us formally," he responded. "If his agent has an offer I only warn him that the price is €50m (£35m) and that we will decide the form of payment."

According to the Star, United are ready to offer Valencia cash plus Javier Hernandez (currently on loan with Real Madrid) "to sweeten the deal", but that hasn't won over the Spanish club and they are demanding the full £35m for the 27-year-old, or else the deal is off.

Meanwhile the Daily Express reports that United "are preparing a shock bid for Bayern Munich star Dante". The 31-year-old centre-back could be a victim of the German club's summer overhaul as manager Pep Guardiola looks to freshen up his squad after a disappointing European campaign, and the Express says Van Gaal is keen on Dante, despite his advanced age. The Brazilian international will apparently be jettisoned to make way at the Allianz Arena for Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, and the Express says that United have "already made contact" with Bayern and a deal for Dante is expected to be reached in the coming weeks.

Man Utd transfer news: Alves or Van der Wiel at right back?

26 May

The season has closed for Manchester United but has a door opened for them in their quest for Dani Alves? That's what the Manchester Evening News claims, with the paper reporting that the Barcelona right-back has declared that signing for Paris Saint-Germain is "not an option".

The French champions have been vying with United for the hand of the 32-year-old defender who is almost certain to leave the Camp Nou in the summer after failing to agree on the terms of a new contract. United manager Louis van Gaal is determined to sign a right-back this summer having improvised for much of this season by playing midfielder Antonio Valencia in that role. Though United have also been linked with a move for Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne, it's believed Van Gaal craves the experience of Alves and is primed to table a bid in the coming weeks.

Asked about his intention at a press conference on Monday, Alves replied "no" when the possibility of a move to PSG was mentioned. He then added: "From 7 June I'll announce my future... I don't want anybody to influence my decisions. My future only depends on me."

Meanwhile one player who could be heading to Paris Saint-Germain is United's unsettled winger Angel Di Maria. According to The Independent, "PSG are again interested in the Argentinian midfielder, who is their top target this summer", and the deal clincher could be Gregory van der Wiel.

The Dutch right-back could end up heading to Old Trafford as a makeweight in the transfer, but that could cast doubt on United's move for Alves, as he is also a right-back.

However, the Independent says French sports daily L'Equipe is convinced that PSG will offer United the 27-year-old defender as part payment in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Di Maria, who signed for United last summer in a British record £59.7m deal, has struggled to settle and the Independent says the proposal would likely suit Van Gaal.

Man Utd transfer news: LVG plots Schweinsteiger swoop

22 May

From Bale to Bastian in 24 short hours. Yes, just a day after Manchester United were being linked with Gareth Bale comes news that in fact the Red Devils are planning an audacious swoop for Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"Sources" have confirmed to ESPN that the 30-year-old German international "is a target for Manchester United as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his midfield".

Though the German national captain has spent his entire professional career at Bayern, ESPN reports that Schweinsteiger is out of contract in 2016 and yet to agree a new deal with the German champions. Consequently, claims the broadcaster, "he may be available for a comparatively cheap price".

Van Gaal knows Schweinsteiger well from his two-year stint at the Allianz Arena a few seasons back and ESPN claims the United manager "remains an admirer of the midfielder". There has been speculation in the German media that Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is planning a summer overhaul of his squad after their disappointing European campaign, and the veteran Schweinsteiger could be one of the players to move on. Van Gaal, for his part, has made no secret of the fact that he is looking to replace the ageing Michael Carrick in the centre of the United midfield.

With defender Jonny Evans seemingly on his way out of Old trafford this summer, the Manchester Evening News says Spurs are about to take on Everton in the battle to sign the 27-year-old. However, the Londoners will have a battle on their hands to persuade Evans to head south, as he does not want to uproot his young family.

Man Utd transfer news: why Giggs could be key to Bale deal

21 May

Manchester United are confident they "have the upper hand" in the race to sign the unsettled Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale thanks to the presence of Ryan Giggs on the Old Trafford staff.

According to website Caughtoffside, the United assistant manager was Bale's childhood sporting idol and the prospect of "working alongside his hero in Manchester could be key" in determining the Welsh wizard's future, as speculation continues to grow that the 25-year-old will do a bunk from the Bernabeu.

Chelsea and Manchester City have both been mooted as suitors but Caughtoffside reports that United boss Louis van Gaal will "call on Giggs to encourage the world's most expensive player to make a sensational return to the Premier League" by signing on at Old Trafford.

Twenty four hours after it was reported United were eyeing up Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen as a replacement for David de Gea and the Dutch club has issued a hands-off statement. The Evening Standard caries comments made by Ajax's sporting director Marc Overmars to Dutch paper De Telegraaf, in which the former Arsenal wide man declared: "He is not for sale. Not even for €25m." The news will come as a blow to United who have all but resigned themselves to seeing De Gea head to Real Madrid next month.

But one keeper who the Red Devils have landed is teenager Ilias Moutha-Sebtaoui. The Manchester Evening News reports that the 16-year-old has joined United from Standard Liege on a three-year-deal despite interest from Chelsea. Moutha-Sebtaoui, who has represented Belgium at youth level, joins United as the MEN reports that the club will released three other keepers on its books - Ben Amos, Anders Lindegaard and Sam Johnstone.

Meanwhile United look like they could also miss out on Danny Ings – provided Newcastle United remain in the Premier League. The Magpies play West Ham on Sunday in a game they need to win to ensure they avoid the drop. If they do stay up, says Sky Sports, then they are hot favourites to land Burnley frontman Danny Ings. The paper says that Ings is aware of Manchester United's interest but would prefer Tyneside because of "the lure of regular first-team football".

Man Utd transfer news: 'rough summer' ahead for squad

20 May

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal grabbed the microphone and stole the show at the club's end of season dinner, but also hinted at an Old Trafford clear out and warned of a "rough summer" ahead for many of the current squad.

Sky Sports reports that the Dutchman wouldn't be drawn on specific targets but says he promised to do his "utmost best" to bring in new recruits. "We shall fight to the end - more we cannot do - and that we make the right decisions when you purchase players," he declared.

So it's the job of the press to speculate which players may be on van Gaal's radar and, according to the Daily Mail, Holland and Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is being eyed up as a replacement should David de Gea decide to leave for Real Madrid.

The Mail claims United have drawn up a shortlist of goalkeepers in the event of De Gea's departure, among them Petr Cech of Chelsea, Samir Handanovic of Inter Milan and Tottenham's Hugo Lloris. But the paper says the 26-year-old Cillessen "is well known" to Van Gaal because of his time in charge of the Dutch national squad, and additionally "Ajax may be easier to deal with than their Premier League counterparts". Cillessen, capped 21 times by Holland, has three years left on his Ajax contract and would "command a sizeable fee".

As for which players may be in for a "rough summer", the Daily Mirror predicts that Jonny Evans could be one of the first out of the Old Trafford door with the Northern Ireland defender sold to Everton "in a deal worth up to £10m". The 27-year-old Evans has made just 17 appearances for United this season, falling behind Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in Van Gaal's defensive pecking order, and the Mirror says that with United pursing Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi, Evans will be the "fall-guy" as Van Gaal trims back his squad.

Man Utd transfer news: huge deal for De Gea, Di Maria can go

19 May

Man United are getting "desperate" in their efforts to keep David de Gea at the club as Real Madrid move closer to signing him. The Sun reports that United will offer the goalkeeper a four-year deal worth up to £250,000 a week and the contract will also include an agreement to let the gloveman leave after two years if he still wants out.

In a final effort to keep De Gea's agent, Jorge Mendes, happy, United are also offering to extend the loan deal for his other client, Radamel Falcao, until January. However, the paper says that Falcao does not want to stay in Manchester and adds that Real Madrid are confident of landing De Gea.

If United are unable to persuade De Gea to stick with them, they will demand a transfer fee of £30m but the Madrid club "believe they can get De Gea for a cut-price fee if he signals his desire to return home to be with his family", says the paper.

However, former Red Devils defender Gary Neville believes United could use De Gea as a bargaining chip in their efforts to sign Gareth Bale, reports the Sun. Neville, talking on Sky Sports said: "If you are going to give Real a player I think it would make sense to try and get Bale and steal him in return for De Gea."

Newly-crowned French champions Paris Saint-German are reportedly ready to swoop for Angel Di Maria and offer the Argentine what Talksport describes as "an escape route out of Old Trafford". The winger has had a miserable time of it at United since his record £59.7m signing from Real Madrid last August, and French rag Le Parisien says PSG boss Laurent Blanc is ready to offer Di Maria a fresh start.

Though no possible transfer fee is mentioned for the 27-year-old, it is known that PSG are searching for a replacement for Ezequiel Lavezzi, widely expected to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.

Man Utd transfer news: De Gea calls summit over Madrid move

18 May

Not for the first time in recent weeks there are conflicting reports about the future of David De Gea. The Daily Telegraph claims that Manchester United "are already planning for his departure" after accepting that the Spanish shotstopper wants to return home, and in all probability a lucrative deal with Real Madrid.

But according to the Daily Star the 24-year-old is "torn" between remaining at Old Trafford and heading home. The paper says that De Gea will "hold a family summit at the end of the season to decide on his future". It's believed United are ready to offer De Gea a £200,000-a-week contract and the goalkeeper is also loathe to leave a club were has created bonds with his teammates and the supporters. But the pull of Real is strong, says the Star, and in the next fortnight De Gea will discuss the matter with his family and girlfriend.

Asked about the situation in the wake of United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, United manger Louis van Gaal told the BBC: "A transfer is a process involving a player, a club and his present club. He has to choose. It is not easy to choose between two great clubs. We would be very happy if he stays. Of course he is Spanish and his girlfriend is Spanish and he can go to another great club, so it is difficult for him to decide."

Meanwhile Metro claims that United "are set to open talks" with Bayern Munich over the summer signing of Thomas Muller. It would likely cost the Red Devils £40m to land the German frontman but Metro says Louis van Gaal is "prepared to offer" that sum as he looks to replace Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao up front. Still only 25, Muller has won 63 caps for country and is apparently looking for a fresh challenge having spent his entire professional career with Bayern.

Man Utd transfer news: £300m spree will land Kane and Bale

18 May

Having landed one young star in the form of Memphis Depay it is reported that Manchester United are "considering an ambitious £40m move" for Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Harry Kane.

The Times says it has it on good authority that United manager Louis van Gaal is planning a £300m overhaul of United's squad, and Kane is top of his summer shopping list.

Kane, who was named the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year last month, has scored 30 goals for Tottenham this season, but the Times says United will "face a tough fight" to sign the 21-year-old. Kane agreed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with Spurs in February and the Lilywhites "are vehemently opposed to selling" their star asset.

As well as Kane it's reported that Van Gaal is looking to sign, in addition to a striker, a central midfielder, a centre half and a right back.

Meanwhile the Daily Mirror reckons that it's not Kane that United are after but Gareth Bale. The former Spurs star is known to be having a hard time of it at Real Madrid and the Mirror claims United "will off-load Robin van Persie and Angel Di Maria this summer" in order to facilitate the signing of the former Tottenham winger.

Jettisoning Van Persie and Di Maria would save the Red Devils a massive £500,000-a-week in wages, and enable them to put an end to Bale's suffering in the Bernabeu.

But the Daily Star says United have been dealt "a blow" in the transfer market after coming up short in their pursuit of Bursaspor midfielder Ozan Tufan. The twinkle-toed 20-year-old has caught the eye of several of Europe's top clubs this season with a series of dazzling displays for the Turkish club and United were reportedly "keen on landing the Turkish international". But despite rumours that the playmaker was weighing up his options, the Star reports that Bursaspor president Recep Bolusbasi has "ruled out" a summer sale, declaring: "We have lots of offers, some have been pretty astronomical. But we want to keep hold of our best players."

Man Utd transfer news: talks over Ghanaian prodigy Mensah

14 May

It's not often Ghanaian Allsports is essential reading at Transfer Talk Towers but the African media outlet has claimed that Manchester United are in talks to sign midfielder Bernard Mensah from Portuguese outfit Vitoria Guimaraes.

His interview with the Ghanaian website has also caught the eye of the Daily Star, which says the 20-year-old playmaker "has been a revelation" in Portugal this season and as a result United boss Louis van Gaal is poised to make an offer for the youngster.

"It is true that Manchester United want me," Mensah boasted to Ghanaian Allsports. "I have not spoken with anyone at Manchester United but I know that there are negotiations with my club."

Although a fee isn't mentioned in the report, it's believed United will get Mensah for less than £10m given his youth and inexperience.

Talking of experience, Radamel Falcao's mother has told Colombian newspaper El Espectador that her son is on a learning curve at United that will soon bear fruit. In comments picked up Sky Sports, Carmenza Zarate admitted that her boy had experienced some "difficult moments" since arriving at Old Trafford last summer but that they both "hope for bigger and better things" next season. Asked if she thought Radamel might be tempted to leave United for a club more suited to his striking skills, Senor Zarate replied: "If God shows him a new path, he'll leave Manchester; if not, he'll stay."

Meanwhile Metro says Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has refused to rule out the possibility of David de Gea leaving Old Trafford in the summer. The gloveman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid despite having a year to go on his contract and when United teammate and compatriot was asked if he thought De Gea would stay, Mata struggled to sound confident. "To be honest, I don't know," he replied. "I wish him to stay. Being selfish, I obviously hope him to remain with us."