Man Utd transfer window 2015: from Memphis to Martial
Van Gaal did good business early in the summer, but the window closed amid confusion over De Gea and an unheard of teenager
Man Utd transfer news: Real Madrid issue Bale warning
13 May
Back off! That's the message from Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to Manchester United after he insisted Gareth Bale wouldn't be switching Spain for Old Trafford any time soon.
Rumours that the Welshman is isolated and unhappy at the Bernabeu have been circulating in recent weeks and that has sparked speculation that United were lining up a £100m offer. But as Real prepare for tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Juventus, Ancelotti has taken time off the training park to deny the gossip: "I spoke with him a lot of times, he is really happy to stay here," said the Real coach when asked about Bale.
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Sky Sports adds that Ancelotti was less than impressed by the comments of Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, who has moaned that his client had not been given enough of the ball this season. The comments, reported in the Daily Telegraph, prompted a resigned shrug from Ancelotti. "I don't understand what his agent said. It could be better to not speak," he told reporters. "But we are used to it, in this world a lot of people speak and sometimes, speak too much."
And Ancelotti's last word on the subject was to rubbish suggestions that Bale was not seeing eye to eye with some of teammates: "Bale has no problem with his colleagues," he said. "His colleagues have no problem with him. They like Gareth Bale and he likes his colleagues."
One player who could be on his way to Old Trafford is Christian Benteke, who has been linked with a move from Aston Villa. However, the Daily Mirror reports that the Belgian hitman will not make up his mind on his future until two summer internationals in June. Benteke has two years to run on his contract and Villa want him to stay, but if United or another of his suitors offer £32m for him, the club are prepared to sell, says the paper.
The Manchester Evening News has the latest on the Nathaniel Clyne saga, and says Southampton have been buoyed by the news that Jay Rodriguez will stay with the club until 2019 and are hoping the deal will persuade Clyne, a target for Louis van Gaal, to follow suit. "Southampton have been encouraged by Clyne's willingness to enter negotiations, as well as his comments last week, claiming he was happy on the south coast," says the paper.
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Man Utd transfer news: Pogba blow, Van Persie fights for future
12 May
Manchester United's hopes of re-signing Paul Pogba have suffered a blow with the news that his Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo believes the French playmaker would never return to Old Trafford.
Pogba, 22, left United in 2012 after failing to impress then manager Alex Ferguson, and Pirlo is quoted in the Daily Express saying the midfielder hasn't forgotten his rejection. "Whatever the future is for him I don't see it being Manchester United," explained Pirlo. "He didn't feel he was treated well there. I know that was under Sir Alex Ferguson and now there is a new coach, but I do not seeing him returning to a club where he was not treated well."
Asked if he saw Pogba joining Arsenal or Chelsea, both of whom have been linked with the French star this season, Pirlo replied: "He seems very happy at Juventus, I know he is focused on finishing the season with a lot of success."
Robin van Persie is "fighting for his Manchester United future" says The Guardian. The Dutch striker, who turns 32 this summer, has another year left on his contract and wants to stay at Old Trafford, but must now convince manager Louis van Gaal not to sell him this summer.
The paper says United will "consider offers" for Van Persie over the summer.
David de Gea will not be swayed by money as he decides whether to stick with United or move to Real Madrid in the summer claims the Manchester Evening News. It says that the keeper will make his decision based solely on "where he wants to play next season and not by who can pay him the most".
Man Utd transfer news: 'deals ready' for Clyne and Gundogan
11 May
Having been linked with the player for several months, Manchester United are said to be in "advanced negotiations" to sign Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton, according to the Sunday Times. The Red Devils, who beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the weekend to all but guarantee Champions League football next season, last week agreed terms for Memphis Depay and now the paper says Clyne is on the brink of becoming their second summer signing.
The Sunday Times adds that United "have increased their offer for the England right-back to £18m", and are quietly confident it will be enough to prise the 24-year-old from St Mary's. Additionally, the weekend bible reports that club sources at Old Trafford have confirmed there is a "deal in place" with Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, the Borussia Dortmund ace who has long been linked with a move to Manchester.
Another player allegedly on United's radar is Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan but his current club, Roma, have declared that he is part of their plans for the future and they intend to fend off any United advance and keep him at the Stadio Olimpico. The problem for the Italian club is that Nainggolan reportedly wants a hike in his wages to around €4m per season, a sum that may put him out of Roma's reach.
The club's sporting director Walter Sabatini told Italian broadcaster Rai Sport: "We want to keep Nainggolan at Roma [and] we have already talked to the boy." Sabatini didn't elaborate on the discussions but it's believed they will offer him a new, improved deal rather than sell him for an estimated €30m to Manchester United.
If they fail to land Nainggolan, then United may have more luck with Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte. Caughtoffside reports the claim of Spanish media outlet Fichajes, which says Laporte's agent, Jorge Mendes, has "entered talks" with United, about a triggering the 20-year-old's €42m release clause. It's said that United are "confident" they will secure the services of France Under 21 international, who has made more than 100 appearances for the Basque side.
Man Utd transfer news: Bale, Cavani hunted in £200m spree
08 May
United may are celebrating the signing of Memphis Depay and his arrival could just be the start for the Old Trafford club if the Daily Express is to be believed.
The paper claims that a new Adidas kit deal and the money coming United's way for finishing in the top four means Van Gaal will have a £200m kitty this summer. The paper is vague about targets but earmarks Gareth Bale of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani as possible new arrivals.
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is also mentioned in dispatches, but Goal.com says it is unlikely that he will be pulling on a United shirt next season.
There's been speculation of late that the German international could leave Borussia Dortmund for England but the midfielder – whose contract expires next year – has said he's happy to remain where he is. Speaking to German broadcaster SID, Gundogan expanded on his immediate future: "I'm not hell-bent on leaving by force and would be prepared to stay for another year if that suited both sides," he explained. Asked if there was any truth in the rumours linking him to Manchester United, the 24-year-old replied: "I think if they were true, I would know about it."
Meanwhile United may also have a fight on their hands to land Nathaniel Clyne, who also gets a mention in the Express, after Southampton manager Ronald Koeman expressed quiet confidence that both he and Jay Rodriguez would sign new contracts at St Mary's.
Louis van Gaal is known to be a fan of Clyne, while Rodriguez, who has been sidelined for over a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, is being monitored by Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City. But, as Talksport reports, Koeman said Rodriguez was “talking to the club... [and] if he stays, I think that is a good signal to the club, to everybody."
As for Clyne, Koeman said of the 24-year-old full-back: "He mentioned at different times to everybody at the club [that he is happy] and I understand it's all about the contract, the future, and he has to make that decision."
Man Utd transfer news: Memphis Depay joins for £22m
07 May
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Dutch winger Memphis Depay it has been confirmed.
The news was broken on the websites of the two clubs, with a statement on Manutd.com announcing that the Premier League side had "reached [an] agreement with PSV Eindhoven and Memphis Depay for the player's transfer, subject to a medical, once the transfer window opens in June".
The Daily Telegraph reports that PSV have accepted an offer of £22m for the 21-year-old winger who has been top scorer in the Dutch league this season with 21 goals in 28 games.
United faced competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool for the youngster's signature. "However, the French team cooled their interest after news of their approach leaked out while Brendan Rodgers accepted defeat in his battle with Louis van Gaal some time ago," says the paper.
Depay has previously worked with United manager Van Gaal when he was in charge of the Dutch national team, and played for him at the World Cup in Brazil last summer.
Man Utd transfer news: Bale deal could involve Di Maria swap
07 May
Not so long ago it was Chelsea being linked with Gareth Bale but now it's Manchester United said to be lining up a swoop for Real Madrid's Welsh winger.
Bale cut a sorrowful figure during Real's defeat to Juventus in their Champions League semi-final clash on Tuesday. Now, according to the Daily Star, United could tempt him with an escape route from the Spanish capital.
The paper claims the Red Devils could "offer Angel di Maria to Real" in exchange for Bale. The Argentine winger only moved to Old Trafford from Madrid last summer but he's failed to set the world alight this season and consequently the Star says United will look to send him back to the Bernabeu, along with some serious cash, while taking Bale in return.
Meanwhile United will be interested in what the Daily Express has to say about their former employee Paul Pogba. They, along with Chelsea and Manchester City, have all been linked with the Juventus playmaker in recent months, and the Express says the young Frenchman has just "snubbed an offer from Paris Saint-Germain" that would have seen him pocket £200,000-a-week after tax.
But perhaps the trio of English clubs shouldn't get too optimistic that Pogba is pining for the Premier League. The Express says the player's agent was "spotted at the Real Madrid's team hotel" on Tuesday, prompting speculation the 22-year-old could be set to move to Spain next season. Apparently Real are confident that with former France captain Zinedine Zidane on their coaching staff they will be able to "persuade Pogba to choose a move to Madrid".
But United may be concerned by a report in the Daily Mirror that suggests their local rivals Man City are "ready to launch a bid in excess of £50m" for the former United trainee.
Meanwhile Radamel Falcao could get one more chance to prove himself at Old Trafford, says the Mirror. It claims that the Colombian hitman, who has failed to shine at United this season, will be given a stay of execution by Louis van Gaal, who is "willing to extend his loan until January to see whether he can recapture his best form after a summer of rest and then a full pre-season".
However, Faclao is definitely in the last chance saloon, with United already backing away from a deal to sign him on a permanent basis.
Man Utd transfer news: Lloris lined up to replace De Gea
6 May
Manchester United have "opened negotiations" with Spurs over the summer purchase of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, a move that lends credence to reports that current keeper David de Gea will be off at the end of the season.
The Red Devils are thought to be in the market for a new gloveman because of fears that De Gea will be lured to the Bernabeu by Real Madrid at the end of the season to replace the wilting Iker Casillas.
Taking its cue from French sports daily L'Equipe, Talksport says that the 28-year-old Lloris has been identified by United boss Louis van Gaal as the man to replace De Gea next season. Apparently L'Equipe has it on good authority that United have "contacted Tottenham ahead of a potential £25m bid" for the France international, who arrived at the Lane from Lyon in 2012. As part of the deal it's claimed that United would meet the asking price while offloading former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to Tottenham.
But is the future of de Gea inextricably linked to that of Radamel Falcao? The Manchester Evening News believes so, reporting that the 29-year-old striker "could remain" at Old Trafford if De Gea does. The pair are represented by agent Jorge Mendes and the MEN claims that Falcao, goalless since 31 January, "could form part of an agreement whereby United decide to keep him for a second season to pacify Mendes".
It's alleged that Mendes would like to see De Gea move to Madrid but also wants the best for Falcao, which he believes is remaining at United, and would be prepared to delay De Gea's departure in order to secure Falcao's future.
There's more bad news in the MEN, which reports that United target Nathaniel Clyne has dropped his strongest hint yet that he will stay at Southampton next season. The defender is known to be on United's shopping list but according to the MEN Van Gaal may have to offer "assurances" over Clyne's first team opportunities before he considers a £20m move. Clyne, who moved to St Mary's from Crystal Palace in 2012, revealed that "I am enjoying my football for Southampton, playing week-in, week-out and it is an up-and-coming club".
When asked about his future the 24-year-old, who has a year to run on his current contract, replied: "My agent is negotiating, so I will just leave it with my agent and I am just going to concentrate on playing my football... I am happy playing for Southampton and happy to stay at Southampton as well."
Man Utd transfer news: Adidas to fund £100m Bale bid
1 May
Manchester United have big plans for the summer with Louis van Gaal set to be handed £100m to lure Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.
According to the Daily Telegraph the eyewatering sum is the fruit of United's world-record £750m kit deal with Adidas which kicks in this summer.
But while money may not be a problem, convincing the player to return to the Premier League might be. The deal is obviously dependent on whether the Welshman wants to leave Real Madrid. Earlier this season the former Spurs star signalled his desire to remain in Spain for the final year of his contract but with some Real supporters turning on Bale recently, the Telegraph says this "could yet prove the lever which may tempt him to consider a move to United".
The Red Devils look like losing out to Lazio in their efforts to tempt highly-rated Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij away from Rome. Talksport claims that the 23-year-old "is being closely tracked" by his former Holland coach Louis van Gaal with scouts sent to watch the defender in action against Napoli last month.
Despite the United interest, Talksport reports that Lazio owner Claudio Lotito will resist overtures from United over the summer and keep De Vrij in Rome.
United and their rivals Arsenal have also been handed what Metro describes as "a huge boost" in their pursuit of Ilkay Gundogan, with the news that Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the midfielder will not sign a new deal at the club.
In recent weeks the 24-year-old has been linked with a move to both Old Trafford and the Emirates, and those rumours gained substance with the statement emanating from Dortmund on Thursday.
"Borussia Dortmund and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will not collaborate any longer than June 30, 2016," ran the statement, adding: "Gundogan has decided not to renew his contract, valid until that time with eight-time German champions."
That leaves Dortmund with the option of selling him this summer or waiting until next season and watching him leave for free. Though Gundogan has made no public statement concerning his future plans it's understood he will choose between Arsenal and United in the next month.
Man Utd transfer news: Pogba blow as PSG open talks
29 April
"Rocked" is the word the Daily Star uses to describe how Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are feeling after confirmation that Paris Saint-Germain have opened talks with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
The three Premier League giants have long been linked with a move for the 22-year-old French playmaker with Pogba believed to be angling for a move away from the Italian champions. But the Star reports that PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed to French rag Le Parisien his interest in the midfielder who left United in 2012 because he was deemed surplus to requirements by Alex Ferguson.
Asked why he had met with Pogba, Khelaifi, said: "Because he's a great talent, he's French and he's from Paris." The PSG chief wouldn't be drawn on whether he had tabled an offer for Pogba, the Star claims the French outfit are now "leading the race" to sign him.
In another blow for United, the Daily Mirror reports that Khelaifi also ruled out selling Edinson Cavani this summer. Dismissing talk that the Uruguayan wanted to move because he was fed up with playing second fiddle to Ibrahimovic, the PSG chief said: "He is young and the future of the club... he will be Parisien next season."
However, there is good news with The Independent declaring that United are " increasingly confident" that goalkeeper David de Gea will stay at Old Trafford next season. With De Gea's contract due to expire at the end of next season there were fears they would be forced to sell him in the summer to prevent him from leaving for free in 2016.
United might still lose him to Madrid at the end of next season, says the paper, but persuading him to sign an improved United contract, worth £200,000 a week, this summer would strengthen the Old Trafford club's negotiating position.
Man Utd transfer news: no Hummels deal, RVP to stay
28 April
More bad news for Manchester United: after Memphis Depay played down reports that he was poised to sign for club, claims that United were about to land German World Cup winner Mats Hummels and had made a £21.5m offer have also been scotched.
According to Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc stories about the imminent departure of Hummels have been greatly exaggerated. The 26-year-old centre-back has long been a target for the Red Devils, as well as Arsenal, and last week reports suggested that United had made a big money offer.
But the Daily Star has been reading German publication, Kicker, and reports the comments of Zorc on the subject of their World Cup winner. "We did not receive any offer that we should think about," he said. "[And] as far as I know, Hummels's contract still runs until 2017."
Nonetheless Zorc did hold out hope to United and Arsenal that Hummels could move on at the end of the season. "There will surely be some changes to the team this summer," he admitted, "maybe more changes than in recent years."
However, there is some good news as the Daily Mail reports that Robin van Persie is keen to extend his career at United after accepting that he is no longer the first-choice striker at Old Trafford. The Dutch forward has missed much of the season with injury and will be 32 by the time the new campaign gets underway in August. But he is "happy" in the North West and will see out the final year of his contract "if United still want him and he is guaranteed a decent amount of playing time", says the paper.
Former United "favourite", the mercurial Bebe, could be set for a return to English football with Reading, says the Daily Star. The Portuguese, signed by Alex Ferguson for £7.5m, made only six appearances for United before being loaned out and eventually sold to Benfica. He didn't make much impact there either and has been on loan with Cordoba in Spain, where he has failed to score for 16 games. However, Reading boss Steve Clarke is poised to sign him this summer.
Man Utd transfer news: Javier Hernandez to Southampton
27 April
Southampton have emerged as front runners in the race to sign Javier Hernandez from Manchester United this summer, after Louis van Gaal hinted he would sell the Mexican marksman once his season-long loan with Real Madrid has run its course.
The 26-year-old, who scored the winner in the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid last week, is expected to return to England at the end of the season, but not Old Trafford, and the Saints are in pole position to secure his services for an estimated £7.5m.
Asked if he intended to give Hernandez a prominent role at Old Trafford next season, Van Gaal replied: "I don't think so" - a comment that will serve as a green light for the Mexican's agent to open discussions with Southampton.
The Daily Express reports that Memphis Depay has poured cold water on suggestions he could be poised to join Manchester United on a £25m deal in the summer. The PSV star has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford once the Dutch season is over, despite interest from Liverpool and other suitors. Last week it was even reported that he had flown to the UK to finalise a deal.
But when such a scenario was put to him, the 21-year-old Depay replied: "I know nothing myself so I have nothing to say." Asked if he was tempted by a move to the Premier League, Depay said: "Of course I'm looking at beautiful leagues. And then it's always nice if clubs are interested but... we'll see how things go."
Man Utd transfer news: 'new Ronaldo' Depay in £25m move
24 April
He's been branded the new Cristiano Ronaldo and now Dutch sensation Memphis Depay has jetted to England for talks over a move to Manchester United this summer.
The Sun reports that the PSV winger, who has also been linked with moves to Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, is poised to become Louis van Gaal's first signing of the summer in a £25m deal.
The 21-year-old was compared to Ronaldo by Dutch legend Ronald de Boer earlier this week, and he also said that Van Gaal's relationship with the forward could be critical in securing a move.
"Van Gaal has been described as 'another father' to Depay, who has such an unhealthy relationship with his own father he wears 'Memphis' on the back of his shirt," adds the Manchester Evening News. Another factor that sways Depay could be the offer of an Old Trafford contract worth £130,000 a week.
Are Manchester United really preparing a £36m bid for in-demand Nicolas Otamendi? Yes, says the Daily Express with the paper reporting that the Valencia defender has a "huge release clause" in his deal with the Spanish club and United boss Van Gaal is happy to meet it.
With United reportedly desperate to bolster their back four in the summer, Van Gaal has decided he can't rely on the likes of Phil Jones and Jonny Evans and instead has identified Otamendi as the man to put some lead in the United pencil. The Express cites Spanish paper Deporte Valenciano, which says a deal for Otamendi is "close".
Former Old Trafford favourite Javier Hernandez, who on Wednesday night fired Real Madrid into today's draw for the Champions League semi-final, will return to the Premier League next season says Sky Sports, but not with United.
Apparently Real "are not keen" on making the Mexican's stay at the Bernabeu permanent and so he will return to England. But he is still surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, claims Sky, and "a number of English clubs" are interested in signing Hernandez. West Ham are thought to be leading the race.