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: PSG to land Di Maria this week
27 July
Paris Saint-Germain are on the brink of signing Angel Di Maria after coach Laurent Blanc admitted over the weekend that there is a "good possibility" a deal will be announced in the next few days.
The Argentine winger failed to show in the USA as expected for Manchester United's pre-season tour, and both the The Independent and French sports daily L'Equipe report that Di Maria is now poised to sign for the French champions with a deal expected early this week.
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal claims he "does not know why" Di Maria failed to join his squad, but L'Equipe says United have agreed a £46.5m deal with PSG for the 27-year-old Argentine.
But not everyone is convinced. According to the BBC "talks are ongoing with a fee yet to be agreed" while PSG coach Blanc has said: "There is a good possibility he could sign but there is nothing official... there is no official news at this time, although of course there is lots of talk out there."
Meanwhile the Sunday People says that United "have knocked back moves by Inter Milan and Newcastle" to sign Michael Carrick. The veteran midfielder has apparently been the subject of approaches by both Inter boss Roberto Mancini and new Toon gaffer Steve McClaren, but United chief executive Ed Woodward "rejected their approach after consulting" Van Gaal. Carrick, who has signed a one-year contract extension, is in his 34th year but the People says Van Gaal is a great admirer of his "calm authority".
The Liverpool Echo says that United have joined the pursuit of Everton defender John Stones. Chelsea are already hot on the trial and despite the Toffees' insistence that they have no wish to part company with Stones, the Echo says they "could be tempted but only if there are players thrown in as part of the deal".
One player signed, sealed and delivered is goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who has agreed a three-year-deal with United. The Argentine international arrives from Italian club Sampdoria and told the official United website: "To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me. Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career."
Man Utd transfer news: record bid for 'unhappy' Ronaldo
24 July
Six years after he left Old Trafford, could Cristiano Ronaldo be poised to return to Manchester United? According to the Manchester Evening News the Red Devils "want to re-sign" the Portuguese star as the club continues to rebuild under Louis van Gaal.
The MEN "understands United are working on what could be a new club-record deal" to lure Ronaldo back to Manchester from Real Madrid. The sum in question would therefore be in excess of the £60m they paid for Angel di Maria last summer, and that's despite the fact United have already completed deals for Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin this summer.
The rumours are given credence by reports that Ronaldo has not adapted well to the new regime at the Bernabeu and has branded the training exercises of manager Rafa Benitez as "s***", according to the Daily Telegraph. The Portuguese prima donna was also unhappy about the way Benitez refereed a training match, particularly when the Spaniard disallowed one of his goals.
Meanwhile Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly knocked back the offer of a "three-year contract worth in excess of £7m" from Manchester United in order to join AC Milan. In making the astonishing claim Metro cites Sportsmediaset as its source, declaring that the Swedish sharpshooter was offered the vast sum by United earlier in the summer.
But the 33-year-old beanpole, who was also approached by Turkish giants Galatasaray, has allegedly rejected the Red Devils' offer to return to AC Milan, "where he is set to earn £4.2m a season".
Ibrahimovic's last stint in Italy was with Milan in 2010 to 2012. According to Metro Ibrahimovic's departure will allow PSG to splash the cash this summer with Manchester United's Angel di Maria and Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon "strongly linked" with the French champions.
Meanwhile the Daily Star reports that unsettled goalkeeper David De Gea has been ordered to "forget about Real Madrid and focus on Manchester United." The Spanish club want to sign the gloveman but won't agree to the £35m asking price and according to the Star United boss Louis van Gaal wants De Gea "to sort his head out and accept he is staying put at Old Trafford."
Man Utd transfer news: PSG Di Maria bid, Pedro deal close
23 July
There's never a dull moment at Manchester United right now and the latest episode of the transfer soap opera involves Paris Saint-Germain, who have finally made an offer for Angel Di Maria.
Several media sources in France say that the 27-year-old Argentine, who's failed to fire at Old Trafford since his record £59.7m move from Real Madrid last summer, is poised to move across the Channel in the coming weeks. France broadcaster RMC claims that PSG have tabled an opening bid of £45m plus bonuses for Di Maria. Apparently United's executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, "has flown home to address the matter and an outcome is expected soon", says Talksport.
The broadcaster claims that the French champion are ready to offer Di Maria a four-year deal worth £134,000-a-week. It's rumoured that Di Maria "is hoping for around £30,000 more" but after his insipid season at old Trafford, PSG are unlikely to meet his demands.
Also on his way out is David De Gea with Caughtoffside reporting that the gloveman "has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid". Taking its lead from Spanish rag El Confidencial, the website claims that the 24-year-old Spanish international – who arrived at United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 – will replace Iker Casillas as Real's main man between the sticks. As for the transfer fee, Caughtoffside says that Man United, who paid £18.9m for De Gea when he arrived at Old Trafford, have demanded at least £28m for his services.
As regards incoming transfers, the Daily Express claims that the Red Devils "are on the brink of a deal for Barcelona's unsettled striker Pedro" – and it's possible that the transfer could be completed next week. The paper adds that Barca boss Luis Enrique doesn't want to lose Pedro "but understands the player's frustration at his lack of playing time". Apparently United are ready to trigger the £22m release clause in the 27-year-old frontman's contract and are "confident" the deal will go through.
Man Utd transfer news: Muller may leave Bayern, Llorente link
22 July
Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm had admitted he's helpless to prevent Thomas Muller following Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United. According to Sky Sports, reports from Germany claim "that United are preparing to table a big-money move for the forward" just days after they snared club and country teammate Schweinsteiger.
Asked if he had any insider information on the likelihood of a move by reporters in Shanghai, where Bayern face Inter Milan in a pre-season friendly, Lahm replied: "It's not my decision. Things can happen very quickly in football. I certainly can't provide any guarantee for Thomas Muller [staying]."
On a more positive note, however, Lahm reassured Bayern fans he has no intention of severing his 13-year association with the club with a move to England. "That's not going to happen with me," he said. "I'm pleased that I've been able to spend practically all my career at home. It's great to be in the same club for so long."
So is Muller the "surprise" signing that Louis van Gaal teased reporters with this week? Not according to the Daily Mirror, which claims that the mystery man is not Muller, or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Juventus forward Fernando Llorente.
"The Old Trafford giants have been offered giant Spain international," says the Mirror. "And have asked to be 'kept informed' of his situation."
Llorente has struggled at Juventus since joining from Althetic Bilbao two years ago, but United would face competition from Real Madrid if they do go for the 6ft 5in striker.
Money will be no issue, however, suggests the Mirror. "The link to 30-year-old Llorente emerged as Angel di Maria's proposed £45m move to Paris Saint-Germain edged nearer as officials from the French club held talks with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Monday in London." claims the paper.
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