Man Utd transfer news: Cavani or Lewandowski in for Di Maria
14 July
Having bagged Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin in a wondrous weekend shopping spree, Manchester United are in need of recouping some cash. And according to Talksport the Red Devils could be about to balance their books by selling Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain.
Apparently the French club's club's Qatari owners "are ready to splash the cash", aware that to land the Argentine winger could cost them in the region of £59.7m. That's what United paid for Di Maria last season, only for the South American sorcerer to run out of magic the moment he arrived at Old Trafford.
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But French broadcaster RMC report that PSG are increasingly confident they will thrash out a deal for Di Maria, although they do have a plan B if it all goes pear-shaped. That plan involves making a move for former Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who is currently on the books of Wolfsburg.
But might United also use some of the money made on Di Maria to sign Robert Lewandowski? The Daily Telegraph claims that Louis van Gaal has placed the Bayern forward "at the top of his wanted list despite an acceptance that the Germans would be unlikely to sell" another of their stars to United this summer. If that's the case the Telegraph says that the Red Devils might turn their attention to PSG forward Edinson Cavani.
Man U transfers: Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger sign on
13 July
The reshaping of Manchester United's midfield is fully underway after two high profile deals were signed off at the weekend.
World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger had a medical on Sunday at Old Trafford just 24 hours after Manchester United released a brief statement on their official website announcing that they had agreed terms with the 30-year-old Germany midfielder.
According to the BBC, Schweinsteiger told Bayern Munich he had no desire to extend his contract – which runs until 2016 – and instead the German captain would rather link up with United in time to jet out to the US this week on the Red Devils' pre-season tour.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge glumly admitted defeat in the battle to keep Schweinsteiger, telling reporters over the weekend: "It's regrettable because Bastian meant a great deal to the club... but he wants to do something new at the end of his career." Asked if Bayern had tried to persuade Rummenigge to reject United's advances, he replied: "We tried to convince him to stay with Bayern Munich. But I also understand that a player who has spent 17 years at Bayern Munich still wants to gain a new experience."
Schweinsteiger took to Twitter on Sunday to thank Bayern fans for their support over "17 incredible years" and say he had moved to United to "gain experience at a new club". Most sources believe the fee to be around £15m.
United's medical staff have had a busy weekend. In addition to running the rule over Schweinsteiger, they also looked at Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who agreed a move to Old Trafford on Sunday. The deal is worth an initial £24m, says The Guardian, but extras could see it rise to £27m.
Louis van Gaal had an offer of £20m for the Frenchman rejected earlier this summer, but has now convinced Southampton to sell a the midfielder who he regards as the long-term successor to Michael Carrick. He, too, is expected to join the Red Devils on their tour of the US.
The moves for Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger will make United's midfield stronger, but a lot harder to spell.
Meanwhile Robin van Persie flew into Turkey on Sunday night for talks with Fenerbahce and the Manchester Evening News reports that the Dutch striker should be unveiled as their star summer signing within the next 48 hours.
Man Utd transfer news: £60m Muller to replace Van Persie?
10 July
Manchester United are ready to launch a £60m bid for Bayern Munich's World Cup-winning striker Thomas Muller.
The Daily Star reports the dramatic news as manager Louis van Gaal urgently seeks to bolster his attack.
United are short of firepower after offloading Radamel Falcao and with Robin van Persie's impending £4.7m move to Turkish side Fenerbahce set to be finalised this weekend.
Bayern Munich, say The Daily Star, are reluctant to sell the Germany international but that will not deter United from pressing ahead.
Muller, 25, who has spent his whole career at Bayern, is a World Cup and Champions League winner and would represent a major coup if United could push the signing through.
The Old Trafford club are not putting all their eggs in one basket however, and with the new season approaching and the Daily Mail claims West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is also on the radar. The Senegal international, 25, scored 12 times for West Ham last season.
Meanwhile, back in Munich Bastian Schweinsteiger is "flattered" by the interest Manchester United have shown in him - and is about to make a decision on his future.
The Daily Mirror reports comments made by Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge which confirm Schweinsteiger could leave the German giants - with Old Trafford a possible destination.
Rummenigge said: "I have spoken to Bastian on the phone while we have been on holiday and will speak again now that he is back. I cannot deny the fact that I have understood during these conversations that he is flattered by the interest from England."
Schweinsteiger, 30, has one year left on his contract and might be available for around £14m. Like Muller, he has spent his whole career at Bayern.
United boss Louis van Gaal knows all about Schweinsteiger, and converted him from a wide player to central midfielder during his time as Bayern boss.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror say United will demand £10m if West Bromwich Albion want to sign central defender Jonny Evans. The 27-year Northern Ireland international has a year left on his contract but Baggies boss Tony Pulis will not want to pay that much for him.
Man Utd transfer news: Lloris deal is on, talks over Otamendi
9 July
Manchester United could be about to step up their interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but the chase is a complicated affair according to the Daily Express.
The tale starts at Paris Saint-Germain, who have signed stopper Kevin Trapp from Eintracht on a five-year deal. The Express says that ends their interest in Lloris which in turn opens the way for United to pursue the Tottenham goalkeeper.
United look set to sell David De Gea to Real Madrid and are urgently looking for a replacement.
Lloris is understood to want Champions League football, although he has not asked for a move away from White Hart Lane.
United boss Louis van Gaal is also reported to be interested in Stoke's Asmir Begovic, although the Bosnian is also on the Chelsea wish list as they seek cover for Thibaut Courtois following Petr Cech's move to Arsenal.
United, who have become increasingly frustrated in their efforts to sign Sergio Ramos, are still interested in Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, according to website Goal.com.
The main stumbling block to date has been the fee, with Valencia demanding £35m. But that was mainly down to the hardline stance taken by executive president Amadeo Savlo who left the club in June increasing hopes at Old Trafford that a compromise price can be negotiated.
Otamendi was one of Argentina's star players in the recent Copa America.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail says Manchester United have restarted talks with Southampton about signing Morgan Schneiderlin. A representative from United travelled to the south coast yesterday to see if a deal can be worked out, claims the paper.
United offered £20m for the France midfielder last month but Saints boss Ronald Koeman dismissed the offer. The Saints are not against the move but are determined to hold out for a fair deal and it seems United are ready with an improved offer.
Man Utd transfer news: £63m for Ramos, Darmian deal close
8 July
Manchester United are close to ending their right-back problem by signing Italian Matteo Darmian. But while the papers are convinced that the player is on his way to Old Trafford one thing they cannot agree on how much Louis van Gaal will have to pay for the 25-year-old.
The Daily Express says the Torino defender, who has 13 caps for Italy, will cost £12m but The Sun reckons he is valued at £14m. The Daily Mirror, however, says United are only willing to pay £10m - so take your pick.
Darmian, 25, started all three games for Italy in last year's World Cup in Brazil, and is described as a resolute defender who likes to attack. United boss Louis van Gaal has been searching high and low for a right-back during the summer. But Everton were reluctant to let Seamus Coleman leave, Nathaniel Clyne joined Liverpool and Dani Alves has signed a new deal with Barcelona.
The move for Darmian could spell the end for Rafael who looks set to leave Old Trafford. Fiorentina, Galatasaray and Napoli are possible destinations for the Brazilian defender.
But all roads, it seems, lead to Madrid for United at the moment, and Metro reports on progress in the long-running saga to sign defender Sergio Ramos from Los Blancos. It was originally thought that he would cost somewhere in the region of £30m, but, quoting sources from Spain, the freesheet now says United have offered Real Madrid £63m for the central defender and hope £150,000 a week will be enough to keep him happy in Manchester.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star carries news of a "staggering" £99m bid for Gareth Bale. Citing reports in Spanish paper Cope, the Star says the offer was flatly rejected by Real Madrid. Bale's future in Spain has been the subject of speculation and he has drawn criticism from fans for his performances.
It seems that Robin van Persie's United career is drawing to a close, and once again it is Metro that claims to have the lowdown. The paper reports that the striker has agreed personal terms with Turkish side Fenerbahce, and United are about to "begin fresh talks" with the Super Lig outfit over the move. The deal could be completed in the next few days claims the paper.
Man Utd transfer news: Real Madrid 'could offload Ronaldo'
6 July
Manchester United are said to be close to signing Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, but an incredible report in Metro suggests that Louis van Gaal could land an even bigger fish if Real Madrid decide to to offload Cristiano Ronaldo, opening the way for Manchester United to re-sign him.
The paper refers to a report in respected publication France Football, which claims new Real boss Rafa Benitez is looking to rebuild the team around Gareth Bale.
Ronaldo, 30, would be available for £71m although Paris Saint-Germain are said to be his preferred option. The Portuguese winger left Manchester United in 2009 for Real Madrid in an £80m deal, having scored 84 goals in 196 appearances.
Ronaldo could also prove to be key to the deal for Ramos, as several papers report that he walked out of a TV interview when questioned about the defender's future. According to the Daily Star his reaction could indicate that Ramos is indeed about to move to Old Trafford.
Everything at United appears to have a Real Madrid link at the moment, and the Daily Express, using Turkish website Sampiy10 as its source, reports that the club have made a £25m bid for Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera with David De Gea seemingly on his way to Real Madrid.
Man Utd transfer news: Di Maria snubbed by Bayern
3 July
Bayern Munich have rubbished suggestions that they might be tempted to take Angel Di Maria off Manchester United's hands.
With the Argentine winger failing to fire at Old Trafford following his record £59.7m move from Real Madrid 12 months ago, United are becoming increasingly desperate to offload the Di Maria. But according to Talksport, Bayern have become the latest club to rule themselves out of contention.
Asked if he was interested in solving a United problem like Di Maria, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola replied tartly: "No." The former Barcelona coach then added: "I know him and his style of playing very well…he is a great player." Guardiola then made a thinly veiled criticism of United's decision to fork out nearly £60m for Di Maria, saying "such transfer fees are sometimes really crazy."
Meanwhile David De Gea has arrived in the Spanish capital, but the Manchester United goalkeeper insists he's returned home merely to "rest". The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer but when he walked out of arrivals at Barajas Airport he told journalists not to read too much into his presence.
"I am fine," he told reporters. "I have just come home and have some rest." Goal.com says that United report for pre-season training on Monday and it could be that De Gea is a no-show if a deal can be hammered out in the next few days, although reports from Spain predict that negotiations are "not expected to be rushed".
Man Utd transfer news: Ramos staying in Spain, says mum
2 July
Manchester United can forget about signing Sergio Ramos. At least that's what his mum reckons: the straight-talking senora has told broadcaster Chiringuito TV exactly what she thought of the stories linking her boy to Old Trafford.
Asked by the reporter if the 29-year-old Ramos wanted to remain with Real Madrid, Paqui Garcia replied: "Absolutely. At Madrid above all else." And the suggestion of a move to United received short shrift: "No. I don't think so. He loves Spain."
Whether her words will have any bearing on United's attempts to prise the defender from the Bernabeu remains to be seen. The Red Devils are reported to have tabled a bid in the region of £29m earlier in the week, with Talksport claiming that
Louis van Gaal has made Ramos "his number one target this summer".
One player who United have definitely lost out on is Ilkay Gundogan. The Daily Mirror reports that the playmaker has "dashed" United's hopes of making the move from Borussia Dortmund by signing a new deal with the German club. The Mirror says the contract ties Gundogan to Dortmund until the summer of 2017 and he was quoted as saying: "I am glad that we finally have clarity and I can continue playing with Dortmund. I direct the focus from now on entirely on the preparation [for the new season]."
But there is better news for United fans as far as Bastian Schweinsteiger goes, with Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer admitting he could move to Old Trafford before the start of the new season. The 30-year-old World Cup-winning midfielder suggested last month that his future lay with Bayern but the Daily Star carries the comments of Sammer that don't ring with confidence.
"Nothing is excluded. It's a crazy world," he said when asked if Schweinsteiger had definitely committed to the club. "He has clearly expressed that he is an important part of the team, but let's see. We're still waiting."
Turkish paper Haberturk says Besiktas are closing in on Robin van Persie, with the Dutch striker's wage demands not believed to pose a problem.
"If the conditions are right and if he also wants to come we are willing to make an offer, even if it would push us to the limit financially," declared the club's director Yalcin Kaya Yilmaz, "Sales from season tickets and merchandise alone would be able to make back our investment." On the other hand the Daily Mirror says that van Persie is likely to end up at Besiktas' Turkish rivals, Fenerbahce, and adds that the former Arsenal frontman "is being driven out of Manchester United and sold behind his back."
Meanwhile the Daily Record reports that Celtic have confirmed the signing of Saidy Janko from Manchester United. The Swiss youngster, who can play right-back or right midfield, has agreed to join the Bhoys on a four-year deal subject to a successful medical.
Janko, who was signed by former United manager David Moyes two years ago, never cut the mustard with van Gaal and spent last season on loan with Bolton.
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