Man Utd transfer news: Schweinsteiger in Deadline Day stand-off

Man Utd transfer news: hunt for Maksimovic - 'the new Vidic'

10 March

Two's company, three's a crowd, but try telling that to Manchester United who, according to Talksport, have joined West Ham and Spurs in the race to land defender Nikola Maksimovic.

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Described as 'the new Nemanja Vidic' in some quarters, the 24-year-old Serbian defender joined Torino from Red Star Belgrade in 2013 and has since established a reputation as one of the Serie A's top blockers. The Hammers and Spurs have long been linked with Maksimovic, whose heft and style have drawn comparisons with compatriot Vidic, the former Manchester United defender.

The pair were believed to have tabled offers in January and though unsuccessful it's believed they will try and tempt Torino to sell in the summer. But Talksport says United are determined to land the strapping Serb in the belief he can add the kind of steel that has been missing from their defence since Vidic left Old Trafford in 2014.

Meanwhile Metro reckons that United are "keen" to sign World Cup winner Mario Gotze, who is reportedly not in line to be offered a new contract by Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old playmaker has struggled to make his presence known at the Allianz Arena this season and the German outlet TZ claim that Gotze will "be available at the right price this summer". United are in strong contenders to land him though Metro says Liverpool, Juventus and Real Madrid are also in the running.

Man Utd transfer news: Ibrahimovic fuels talk of summer move

9 March

Are Manchester United about to pull off one of the most spectacular transfer signings in Premier League history? The Sun thinks so, with the paper claiming that Zlatan Ibrahimovic "is utterly convinced" he will be a Red Devil next season.

The 34-year-old is widely expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season, and recent rumours have linked the gangly Swedish sharpshooter with a move to the Major League Soccer in the USA.

But The Sun says that Zlatan is "already planning ahead for life in England" although he was characteristically cagey when quizzed on what the future might hold. "Big things will happen," he declared. Pressed on whether that meant a summer move to Old Trafford, he responded: "Let's just say I am in good shape."

Ibrahimovic will get a chance to taste life in England tonight when PSG play Chelsea in the second leg of their Last 16 Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile Talksport report that United are one of three Premier League clubs "monitoring Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi". Everton and Crystal Palace are also keeping tabs on the red-hot hitman with Talksport – taking its cue from French sports daily L'Equipe – saying that scouts from United were present to see the 21-year-old in action at a 1-1 draw against Toulouse.

But United better get their skates on if they want to bag Batshuayi: Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also tailing the star.

Finally, United's hopes of landing Dortmund striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang have taken a hit, as The Sun reports that the Gerrman club have issued a hands-off warning. It came from chief executive Joachim Watzke, who told the paper: "The position is clear. Auba plays for Borussia Dortmund and the next years he will play at Borussia Dortmund. No question. There is no get-out clause."

Man United were linked with a £70m bid for Aubameyang over the weekend.

Man Utd look to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Omer Toprak

08 March

Manchester United are preparing to pounce on Bayer Leverkusen defender Omer Toprak this summer, according to Talksport.

Apparently the Red Devils have been stalking the Turkish international for a while, noting his impressive displays in the Bundesliga this season. Scouts have been sent to Germany to watch the 26-year-old in action and Talksport claims they've "been impressed by what they've seen".

Bayern Munich are also said to be eying up Toprak but it's believed that Leverkusen are reluctant to sell to another Bundesliga club and would far rather offload him to United. As for the likely cost of the move, Talksport says that United would have to hand over "upwards of £10m".

Meanwhile the Daily Star claims that United will raid West Ham this summer and come away with Michail Antonio. The winger has been in good touch this season, scoring 11 times in 27 appearances, and his form has come to the attention of United. The 25-year-old allies pace with power and the Star suggests Antonio "could be a replacement for Red Devils winger Antonio Valencia", sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Man Utd transfer news: Arsenal can't afford £70m Aubameyang

7 March

If Arsenal are in need of some good news right now they won't find it in the Daily Mail, which reports that Manchester United will pip the Gunners to the hand of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a £70m bid this summer.

Apparently Aubameyang, who has 22 goals this season, is "keen" on a move to Old Trafford, and although the Gabon goal machine is under contract to Dortmund until June 2020 the German club are believed to be ready to sell if the money offered is of the silly variety.

The Mail says that Arsenal have been tracking Aubameyang for months but a price of £70m, would "wipe out Arsene Wenger's transfer budget for the summer", leaving United in pole position.

But one player who will elude United's grasp is CSKA Moscow frontman Ahmed Musa. The Daily Star says that Leicester are "set to stun" United by tabling an £18m offer for the Nigerian sharpshooter.

The paper says that representatives of the Premier League leaders were in Russia last week "to discuss a deal" for the 23-year-old, and the outcome of the talks has left the Foxes "confident" that Musa, a member of the Nigeria side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, will plump for them over United.

Man Utd transfer news: Liverpool hijack Feghouli deal

04 March

Are Liverpool planning a heist at Old Trafford? Yes, according to the Daily Express, which says the Merseysiders are preparing to "hijack" Manchester United target Sofiane Feghouli.

The paper says that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is "weighing up a move" for the Algerian midfielder, even though United have been heavily linked with the Valencia ace in recent weeks.

Feghouli is out of contract at the end of the season and reports earlier in the week suggested United would use the presence of their former star Gary Neville in Valencia to their advantage. Neville, who's been in charge of Valencia since December, is apparently ready to do a deal with his old club but Spanish publication Don Balon claims Liverpool are also "keen" with Klopp believing Feghouli "would make an ideal addition" to his squad.

United are expected to table a summer bid but the Express says they will face competition not only from Liverpool but also Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma.

Meanwhile Talksport reports that United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have "all enquired over the availability" of Barcelona star Sergio Busquets.

The veteran midfielder is poised to open negotiations with the Spanish giants in the summer in the hope of securing a new contract "which will see wages equal that of the club's highest earners". But the noises coming from the Camp Nou board haven't been that enthusiastic, and as a result the two Manchester clubs and PSG are all keeping a close eye on the situation.

Talksport says that City are the most ardent of Busquets suitors but that it could all come down to the biggest offer.

Man Utd transfer news: Ronaldo and Ramos to quit Real Madrid

3 March

Could Manchester United be gearing up for an astonishing double raid for Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos?

Both players have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent seasons, and shock reports in Spain claim both handed in transfer requests in the wake of Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend.

In reporting the news, The Independent says that if it is true it could "pave way for potentially the two biggest transfers this summer", with United having been heavily linked to both players in the past.

Ronaldo has long been rumoured to fancy a return to Old Trafford, while Ramos almost joined United in the summer, until it became clear that he was flirting with the Premier League in order to get a better deal at the Bernabeu.

But the Independent says that United are now "on alert" with their spies in Spain monitoring the situation of the two supposedly wantaway stars.

Saul Niguez is dragging on his heels on signing a new Atletico Madrid deal and that's led Manchester United to "step up their interest" in the 21-year-old midfield general.

According to the Daily Mirror, Louis van Gaal has had his scouts watch the Spanish playmaker several times in the last 12 months, and it hasn't gone unnoticed at Old Trafford that Niguez has rejected a new contract from Atletico though the club are "keen to tie him down".

But if United do want to land the young playmaker he won't come with cheap, with reports that he has a £25m buy-out clause worked into his deal. However, says the Mirror, United "could move in this summer amid a contract stand-off" with Atletico manager Diego Simeone not known as a man who tolerates tomfoolery.

Meanwhile, Spanish news outlet Sport claims that Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos both handed in transfer requests in the wake of Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend. In reporting the news, the Independent says that if true it could "pave way for potentially the two biggest transfers this summer".