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Tuesday, 2 July 2013

PSV keen to keep United target Strootman

PSV Eindhoven insist they have no plans to sell reported Manchester United target Kevin Strootman this summer.




United have been long-term admirers of Strootman and reports have suggested that David Moyes is planning to make a move for the Holland international to bolster his midfield options.
However, PSV are determined to keep hold of the 23-year-old having already seen Dries Mertens, Erik Pieters and Jeremain Lens leave the Philips Stadion this summer.
PSV's sporting director Marcel Brands says they expect Strootman to stay at the club for another season at least.
"We do not want to lose Strootman this summer. He knows that he will stay at PSV for another season," he told De Telegraaf.
"We already expected Lens and Pieters would leave, but we didn't plan the transfer of Mertens."



Manchester United scouting Confederations Cup star



Manchester United, Manchester City & Tottenham tracking Italy midfielder Antonio Candreva


Candreva has attracted Premier League interest (©GettyImages)

Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City are monitoring Italy and Lazio star Antonio Candreva, according to the Daily Express.
The Lazio midfielder flourished at the Confederations Cup for Italy, impressing particularly against Spain in the semi-final.
The tireless runner was an ever-present for Lazio last season, making 35 Serie 'A' appearances as his side finished the campaign in seventh.
And his strong performances in the Confederations Cup in Brazil have attracted attention from big clubs across Europe.
The Premier League interest is led by Manchester United, with Spurs and City also tracking the 26-year-old.
But the likes of Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli are also credited with interest by Italian newspaper Il Tempo.
Candreva scored six and provided five assists in the league last season, and the attacking midfielder was one of the club's most consistent players - along with Brazil international Hernanes.
David Moyes is expected to strengthen his midfield options this summer, with Paul Scholes retired and Darren Fletcher a long-term fitness concern.
The Premier League champions have been linked with a number of high quality central midfielders, including PSV's Kevin Strootman and Barcelona star Thiago Alcantara.
Tottenham also have been tipped to reinforce their midfield, although Corinthians and Brazil international Paulinho appears to have clinched a move to White Hart Lane.
He would be the second big-name Brazilian to join the Premier League after Fernandinho swapped Shakhtar Donetsk for Manchester City.



Manchester United to treble Thiago Alcantara's wages

Manchester United transfer news: David Moyes will treble Thiago's wages in order to prize him away from Barcelona





Thiago has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford (©GettyImages)

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara could treble his wages if he joins Manchester United this summer, according to The Metro.
It has been widely reported that the English champions are desperate to bring in Thiago from the Spanish champions but, after original reports suggested that a deal was already in place, the player's future is still not 100% guaranteed.
New United manager David Moyes is adamant on making Thiago his first big summer signing after missing out on his team-mate Cesc Fabregas.After the reports came out suggesting Thiago was all-set for a move to Old Trafford, it then became clear that Barcelona were considering offering the Spaniard a new contract at the club.
However, if Thiago was to complete a move from the Catalans to United, he would earn three times as much as he currently does.
Thiago, who has just returned from the U21's European Championships, is not happy with the amount of game-time he is getting at the Nou Camp and he is ready to leave his boyhood club in order to find first-team football.


Manchester United raise Leighton Baines bid to £16m



Manchester United transfer news: Old Trafford make second bid for Everton’s Leighton Baines with £16m



Man Utd go again for Baines (©GettyImages)

Manchester United are not about to give up on signing Everton defender Leighton Baines and will go back with a second bid of £16million.
According to the Daily Star, new Old Trafford manager David Moyes is keen to recruit his former charge and is not put off by the Toffess knocking back a £12million from last week.
Moyes has only just taken over at Manchester United after his contract with Everton came to an end last month
The report claims Goodison Park chairman Bill Kenwright is not best pleased that Moyes is attempting to return to his old club and trying to sign his former players.
However, it also says Kenwright accepts he may not be able to hold onto the England international, though he will hold out for something closer to £20million.
Were Manchester United to sign Baines, it would raise serious doubts about Patrice Evra’s future at Old Trafford.
Reports at the weekend claimed he was not pleased with the prospect of no longer being first choice left-back and would be open to a move to old club AS Monaco.

Manchester United star’s Serie A transfer is “pub talk”


Manchester United transfer news: Nemanja Vidic agent dismisses AC Milan reports as “hot air”


Vidic is staying put. (©GettyImages)

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is not going anywhere and reports of him joining AC Milan are “pub talk”, according to his agent.
The Express are running with quotes from Silvano Martina denying there had been talks between Vidic and any other club, while reaffirming his commitment to the Old Trafford club.
“We are talking with no-one. This is all pub talk,” he is quoted as telling Fantagazzetta.
"This is the first time I heard that news and I don't know where it came from. We're talking about the captain of Manchester United here, not just any player. Vidic has no problems with United - all the talk is hot air."
Reports over the weekend had suggested Manchester United’s possible signing of Benfica centre-back Ezequiel Garay would have serious consequences for Vidic.
New Old Trafford manager David Moyes will reportedly start phasing out the Serbian from first team action with the arrival of Garay.
Vidic has been one of the Red Devils’ best performers over the years, but he has missed large chunks of the past two seasons because of serious injury, which could be a possible motive behind moving him on.
AC Milan are reportedly keen on signing Vidic but it appears as though they will have to look elsewhere to reinforce their back line.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Done Deal: Manchester United Set to Unveil £15m Dutch International Kevin Strootman as First Major Summer Signing

Strootman Man United Deal
United deal to bring in PSV star all but done.
Manchester United look to have found their replacement for Paul Scholes as David Moyes will make PSV’s Kevin Strootman his first major signing of the summer.
The Dutch midfielder has been a target for United for some time, and the Red Devils are understood to have stepped up their interest in him this summer following Scholes’ retirement from the game.
New United boss Moyes has been keen to get his midfield issue addressed as he looks to take on the difficult task of replacing legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
There may be further arrivals yet, with the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Nemanja Matic being linked with the club, but Strootman’s immediate availability for a relatively low price of £15million has seen United keen to push the deal through, and it is expected that he will be unveiled by the club in the coming days after the finalisation of a few more details.
Kevien Strootman
The 23-year-old jetted in to England to complete the move following his side’s exit in the European Under-21 Championships, where he impressed for the Netherlands in front of Moyes’ scouting team.
Although still eligible for the Under-21 side, Strootman is also a full Dutch international with 18 caps and one goal for the senior team, and has notched up 187 appearances in the Eredivisie already, featuring for the likes of Sparta Rotterdam and FC Utrecht before joining PSV in 2011.
His fine form for the Dutch giants also saw him attract attention from the likes of Arsenal, but he has supposedly been keen to wait for the right offer, and is confident in his ability to find success at Old Trafford.
United have already signed Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela, but Strootman is a big name that should convince United fans of their ability to still attract top talent even after the departure of Ferguson.
More additions in midfield may follow, as Moyes is said to be uncertain about the futures of the likes of Anderson and Tom Cleverley, meaning he will hope to persuade Marchisio to join the club from Juventus, and consider meeting Benfica’s considerable asking price for Serbian playmaker Matic.
United are also in the market for wingers and strikers this summer, as the likes of Wayne Rooney and Nani could be on their way out of the club. Another Benfica player Nicolas Gaitain has been linked with the club, as have strikers Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema.

Man United On the Verge Of Completing Deal to Sign Barcelona Midfielder Thiago Alcantara


Man United On the Verge Of Completing Deal to Sign Barcelona Midfielder Thiago Alcantara

by Mark Brus
Comments
8
Alcantara Arsenal
David Moyes close to completing move for Barcelona playmaker.
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara after the end of the European Under-21 Championships.
The 22-year-old has been linked strongly with a move away from Barcelona this summer due to his desire to play more regular first-team football. His starring role in Spain’s win at this summer’s tournament in Israel, with a superb hat-trick in the 4-2 final win over Italy, has backed up his point and led United to move quickly to snap him up ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.
New Red Devils boss David Moyes has been tracking a midfield playmaker for much of the summer as he is desperate to find a replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes, and was initially thought to be tracking Alcantara’s Barca team-mate and former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.
However, Fabregas has stated his desire to remain at the Nou Camp and improve his form, leading Moyes to switch his attention to Alcantara, though he had been unable to progress very far with talks while the youngster was on international duty.
But with the tournament now complete, it is understood that talks are progressing well and in all likelihood Alcantara will be a Manchester United player by next week, becoming Moyes’ second signing of the summer after Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela.
This will be a major boost for United, as the Spaniard has all the makings of a world class footballer, only unfortunate to find himself behind the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Fabregas at Barcelona. In limited appearances for Tito Vilanova’s side in 2012/13, he still managed to make an impact with 2 goals and 5 assists.
But with Barcelona targeting bigger names this summer, they are thought to be happy to sell Alcantara to help raise funds for a £30million move for Chelsea’s Juan Mata, who seems to have been made available by new Blues manager Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United’s spending will not end there though, as Moyes is still keen for more midfielders, both defensive types such as Marouane Fellaini or Ilkay Gundogan, and wingers such as Nicolas Gaitan.
Still, with the signing of Alcantara Moyes will have managed to get one of his major priorities out of the way, and could have solved United’s midfield problems for many years to come.
Although a fee is yet to be confirmed, it is thought that the midfielder will sign for between £15 and £18million, looking a good piece of business against other targets such as Claudio Marchisio, valued at £30million, and Nemanja Matic at £38million.

Monday, 10 June 2013

Manchester United will move ‘heaven & earth’ for Fabregas

Manchester United transfer news: Cesc Fabregas at top of transfer wish-list, claims Denis Irwin




Denis Irwin claims Manchester United will ‘move heaven and earth’ to bring Cesc Fabregas to the club this summer.
The former Red Devils full-back still works for the Old Trafford outfit in an ambassadorial role, and claims the Spanish international has ‘zoomed up’ the club’s list of transfer targets.

Irwin, who won 56-caps for the Republic of Ireland during his playing career, was one of the first pundits to reveal Manchester United’s interest in Robin Van Persie last summer, according to ESPN.
"Cesc Fabregas has zoomed up Manchester United's transfer target list to the top position and the champions are going to move heaven and earth to get him," he told the Sunday World newspaper.
"The Barcelona star wants out of the Nou Camp and United want him badly, so the deal should be done easily enough. Fabregas is just the sort of all-action midfield player United need if they are to make a run at next season's Champions League.
"Cesc won't be short of offers for I believe this is going to be a transfer season where eye-boggling amounts of money will be spent."
Irwin also predicted that new Manchester United manager David Moyes will be making moves for full-backs Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw, whilst suggesting that Patrice Evra and Luis Nani might be going in the opposite direction.
"Nani will go to Monaco and Patrice Evra may well return to the same club, from whom he joined United. I've also heard a word that the new manager might have Luke Shaw at the top of his list. The teenage Southampton full-back is the latest in a long line of prodigies from that club's excellent youth system," he concluded.
Arsenal are thought to have a first-option on Fabregas after they sold the player to the Nou Camp two summers ago, whilst Moyes has worked with Baines at Everton.
Shaw is a relatively new name on the Manchester United radar, having previously been linked with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Manchester United reject £6m winger bid

Manchester United transfer news: £6m bid for Nani from Galatasaray rejected



Galatasaray have claimed Manchester United turned down a £6m bid from the Turkish giants for Portugal international Nani, according to Goal.com.
Galatasaray chairman Unal Aysal told Turkish newspaper Milliyet that United rejected their approach for the winger, who is out of contract next summer.

And Aysal revealed the Premier League champions are holding out for closer to £8.5m.
Speaking to Milliyet, Aysal said: "We offered €7m (£6m) for him. But they didn't accept. We can't give more than this.
"We are not going to follow Nani anymore. We can't give more than €7m for him. They want €10m (£8.5m). Because of this he is not on our transfer list anymore."
Nani has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Ligue 2 champions Monaco reportedly interested.
He endured a disappointing campaign last season, making just seven Premier League starts. And the 26-year-old recently admitted his future could lie away from United.
But it seems the Old Trafford club are holding out for a bigger fee for the player that joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.
Galatasaray have been big players in the transfer market over the past six months, bringing in Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder. And the Turkish champions made a run to the Champions League quarter-finals only to fall to Real Madrid.
Nani's place in the United first-team squad could come under fresh threat next season when £15m signing Wilfried Zaha joins the club this summer.

Manchester United close in on 'new Makelele' signing

Manchester United transfer news: Nampalys Mendy set to leave Monaco on a free transfer


 
 
Manchester United look set to complete the free transfer signing of highly-rated Monaco star Nampalys Mendy, reports the London Metro.
The 20-year-old midfielder has shocked club officials after revealing that he has no intention of signing a new contract with the French club, leaving manager Claudio Ranieri frustrated and disappointed by his decision. 
"I do not understand his attitude," said the Italian. "As soon as I saw him play, I said here is our Makelele. I trusted him and I played him.
"I think he will miss out on a great deal. But it's his life, not mine. He has preferred to listen to his brother and agent and not his coach. It's a shame."
The France U21 international is believed to have had his head turned by alleged interest from Manchester United, with new manager David Moyes ready to lure the new Claude Makelele to Old Trafford this summer.
Mendy made 31 appearances last season helping Monaco secure promotion back to Ligue 1, but has decided to turn his back on the club that gave him his first-team breakthrough, requesting to leave Stade Louis II when the transfer window reopens after rejecting the offer of a new contract.
Manchester United are ready to pounce by luring the player to the Premier League, and will have been impressed by his recent performances in the U20 Toulon Tournament, where Mendy helped  France to a third-place finish on Saturday following a 2-1 victory over Portugal.
 
 

Saturday, 8 June 2013

Moyes prepares £40m offer for Barcelona playmaker

Manchester United boss David Moyes aiming to beat Arsenal to Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas



Manchester United boss David Moyes is aiming to beat Arsenal to the summer signing of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas by promising to build his team around the Spaniard, according to The Sun.

The Gunners, who sold Fabregas to the Nou Camp club in 2011, have first refusal on the 26-year-old playmaker, but the report claims Moyes hopes to price Arsenal out of the race with a stunning £40m bid.
Fabregas has struggled to cement his place in the Barcelona first-team since he arrived from the Emirates Stadium. But even following the announcement that Neymar will join this summer, Fabregas still insists he’s happy to fight for his place at the Nou Camp next season.
Regardless, Moyes hopes the carrot of regular first team football at Old Trafford will make the World Cup winning midfielder think twice. Moyes is keen to structure his team around the passing ability of Fabregas, and wants to make him his marquee signing of his first summer in charge.
Central midfield is a cause for concern for the former-Everton manager. With Paul Scholes retiring and Darren Fletcher still sidelined, much of the burden is carried by Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley.
Fabregas would go a long way to solving that problem, but any deal is complicated by Arsenal’s first refusal agreement with the Spanish giants.
Arsene Wenger has been linked with a move to bring his former captain back to the Premier League, but the Gunners boss cannot match the financial firepower of Manchester United.
The report claims Fabregas is planning talks over his future with Barca boss Tito Vilanova next week.

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Manchester United & Juventus fight for £17m defender

Manchester United transfer news: Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala also wanted by Juventus and Chelsea





Juventus have joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to sign Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala, according to talkSPORT.
The France U21 international has attracted admiring glances from a host of top European clubs after a series of impressive performances in Portugal this season.

Jose Mourinho is believed to be a huge admirer of Mangala, and is planning to bring him to Stamford Bridge should he return to Chelsea this summer.
However, the Blues will face competition for the 22-year-old's signature with Manchester United also credited with an interest in his services, as David Moyes makes plans for his first signing as Manchester United manager.
Rated at around £17million, it will take a significant offer for Porto to sell their star defender, but it's thought that Serie 'A' champions Juventus are ready to meet his valuation.
With a number of different parties vying to sign Mangala, the Primera Liga club might look to set off a summer bidding war and look to gain as much money as possible before considering a replacement signing at the Estadio do Dragao.

Manchester United rival Barcelona for Italian cup winner

Manchester United transfer news: Old Trafford & Barcelona want Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti





Manchester United and Barcelona are preparing to tussle over Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti this summer.
According to Sportmediaset, reports of Barcelona interest in the 30-year-old were coming out of Spain just hours after Lazio had defeated their city rivals AS Roma in the Coppa Italia final.

However, the report claims Manchester United scouts have a strong interest ion Marchetti and any move by Barcelona could spark Old Trafford officials into action.
Camp Nou scouts are trying to identify a replacement for outgoing number one Victor Valdes, who is reportedly set to join big-spending AS Monaco this summer.
David de Gea is number one at Manchester United, though rumours over the future of his understudy, Anders Lindegaard, could mean new manager David Moyes will have to find another ‘keeper.
Moyes has a tough task on his hands after taking over from the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, though the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford is fairly stable after De Gea made great progress throughout the season.

Marchetti was in goal as Lazio prevailed 1-0 over Roma in Italy’s season finale on Sunday evening.

Manchester United plot £25m move for Cesc Fabregas

Manchester United transfer news: Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas could make shock switch to Old Trafford
 
 
 


Manchester United are preparing a shock summer move for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, according to the Sunday Express.
The 26-year-old former Arsenal captain has struggled to fully establish himself at Camp Nou since making a big-money £35million switch in 2011.
And, reports suggest the Spain international would now consider a return to the Premier League, where he enjoyed his best form.
Arsenal are believed to have first option on Fabregas, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be keen to bring the player back to the Emirates Stadium.
However, it's understood that the Barca star would prefer a new challenge in England, and would be open to following former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie to Old Trafford.
Barcelona have been forced to accept that they are unlikely to recoup all of the money they paid for Fabregas, and could accept the cut-price £25million that Manchester United are set to offer.
Incoming manager David Moyes has made strengthening the Red Devils' midfield his main priority in the summer transfer window, and will begin his attempts to fill the void left by the recently retired Paul Scholes by convincing the ex-Arsenal skipper to forget about former club loyalties and join the new Manchester United revolution.
If his Fabregas bid falls through, then Moyes will likely turn his attention to old club Everton, with Marouane Fellaini also linked with a move away from Goodison Park to link up with his former boss and the newly crowned Premier League champions.

Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Manchester United: Five transfer targets

Xavi, Leighton Baines & Gareth Bale would be ideal signings for Manchester United

Manchester United won the Premier League and were close to knocking Real Madrid out of the Champions League this season. 
But things are changing at Old Trafford, with the manager Sir Alex Ferguson retiring and David Moyes taking over the hot-seat. Also Paul Scholes is retiring (again),  Ryan Giggs is another year older and Rio Ferdinand will do well to play as many matches next season as he did in this term.

United's rivals will without doubt strengthen to try to close the gap so Moyes needs to improve his squad to stay top.
Here are five players David Moyes needs to sign to keep United at the top of the tree come next season.
Mats Hummels
With Rio Ferdinand being 34 and unable to play two games a week due to his injury problems and captain Nemanja Vidic also unable to play twice a week United have a problem.

With Premier League football at the weekend then UEFA Champions League matches midweek, you need your top players to be able to play every few days. This clearly can't be done. Jonny Evans could come in but who would he partner? There is Phil Jones and Chris Smalling but both are very inexperienced when it comes to European football. One player who would fit the bill nicely is Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels.
He still is relatively young but crucially has Champions League experience. He also has won the German title so knows how to play for a team that wins. He will also be perfect for the future as when Ferdinand and Vidic leave in the next few seasons Hummels can be Uniteds top centre-back and will be able to form a partnership with either Jones or Smalling. He would cost around £25 million.

Leighton Baines
Patrice Evra isn't the youngest and has regularly been criticised by some fans for his defending. The perfect player to come in and challenge Evra for that left-back position and eventually make it his own is Everton's Leighton Baines.
He is fantastic going forward and just as good going back. He can score free-kicks and takes penalties which will add a goal threat and is an all round top-player.
The key to this deal happening is David Moyes. Having worked with him at Everton Moyes know Baines better than most and I'm sure Baines would like to continue to work for the Scot. The obvious lure of Champions League football and playing for one of the top teams in the world would attract him to. He would cost around £12 million and with Moyes at the helm this deal should be easy to complete.

Victor Wanyama
United are lacking a strong, physical midfielder who can win possesion and drive forward. One player who can certainly do this is Celtic's Wanyama.
He still is young to so can play for many years in the midfield. He has Champions league experience including bossing the midfield and scoring against a Barcelona team containing the likes of Iniesta and Xavi. He would cost around £15 million.

Xavi
Now this deal really would be something. Xavi is one of the worlds best and is a spanish Paul Scholes. He can pass, shoot, score and keep possession. He will set-up the likes of RVP and Rooney and just control the game along side Carrick.
The Spaniard can still play at the top for three or four more seasons at least so would certainly fill the gap left by Paul Scholes. He would also make a great leader if David Moyes wanted to hand him the captaincy. He would cost around £25 million.

Gareth Bale
This would be the deal of the summer if it happened. When you have just won the league what better way to make sure you retain your title then by signing the previous seasons Player of the Year.
He would add everything to United. Pace, assists, excitement and goals. He would be a great asset to the team and would put United among the favourites for the Champions League. He would cost around £50 million.

Marouane Fellaini edging closer to Manchester United

Manchester United transfer news: Odds have been slashed on Everton’s Marouane Fellaini moving to Old Trafford




Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini is edging closer to a Manchester United transfer this summer, as bookies start to slash their odds.
According to the Daily Star, new Old Trafford manager David Moyes is ready to set out his summer transfer targets and could make a move for his former charge.

The report claims odds of Fellaini joining Manchester United have been slashed as short as 1/2, which indicates a deal could be in the offing.
Moyes took Fellaini to Everton from Standard Liege in 2008 for a club record fee of £15million, though the Belgium international is expected to cost quite a bit more should he make the switch to Old Trafford.
Moyes will be keen to make his mark at Manchester United after he was announced as the man to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson, who has retired after 26 years in charge of the Red Devils.
Fellaini hinted at a possible Manchester United switch earlier this week when he made comments regarding his future at Goodison Park.

The 25-year-old said he would only leave Everton for “a club where the manager really wants me.”

Manchester United ready €18m bid for Barcelona star

Manchester United transfer news: Old Trafford prepare to activate €18m release clause of Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara




Manchester United are preparing an €18million bid to land exciting young Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
According to Marca, Barcelona will be powerless to stop the Old Trafford club snapping up the 22-year-old due to a clause in his contract.

Thiago signed a new Barcelona deal two years ago that set his buyout clause at €90million, but it was agreed that the clause would drop to €18million if the 22-year-old did not make a certain number of appearances.
This is precisely what has happened, as the Spain international has only made 14 starts in La Liga this season after falling down the pecking order under Tito Vilanova.
The report claims Manchester United are aware of this and are seriously considering activating the buyout clause.
€18million is a reasonable price for one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders, though the Red Devils will not be the only club after him.

Marca also claim Bayern Munich could be interested in Thiago, as Pep Guardiola was a great admirer of him when in charge at Camp Nou and was the manager that handed him his Barcelona debut.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Manchester United Preparing A Big Offer For Gareth Bale



Manchester United are preparing a big transfer, astronomical offer for Welshman Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspurs £ 60million.




Manchester  United are set to launch a mammoth bid for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale as David Moyes sets about moves to bring in summer additions to strengthen his Old Trafford squad.
Understands that the Premier League title holders have deliberately held back on expressing any concrete interest in the 23 year old Welsh international as the club had hoped to lure former attacker Cristiano Ronaldo back from Real Madrid. However secret talks between outgoing chief executive David Gill and Bernabeu president Florentino Perez appear to left Man United realising that such a move would be next to impossible.
This has led Manchester United to direct their attention to Gareth Bale, with Sir Alex Ferguson advising his board to dig deep and make a substantial offer for the Tottenham star, especially now that the North London club have failed to secure a Champions League berth for the coming season.
But David Moyes, the new United boss, won’t want to be left at the starting gate in the chase for the league’s outstanding performer, especially if Wayne Rooney doesn’t withdraw his transfer request and ends up leaving.
Chelsea are in the box seat for the England talisman who has fallen out of favour with Sir Alex Ferguson but is hoping for a clean start under Moyes with the issue top of his in-tray when he takes over on July 1.
Bale, who Fergie failed to sign when he was at Southampton, was originally a left-back but has now emerged as a pacy match-winning left winger.
He can also play in a central free role behind a striker.
Buoyed by the completion of a number of big money sponsorship deals Manchester  United’s board are keen to bring in a ‘Marquee’ signing this summer as something of a statement of intent to help alleviate any talk of uncertainty at the club following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson after 26 years at the helm, moves to sign a big name are perhaps even more pressing given that Wayne Rooney has put in a verbal transfer request.
David Moyes has earmarked moves to bring in more effective wide attacking options given the fairly average campaigns the likes of Luis Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani have had this season and the Toffees boss is keen to see Welshman Bale pursued by his new employers.




Moyes confident of keeping Rooney at Manchester United




Manchester United news: David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney won't leave Old Trafford



Rooney hasn't played for Man Utd since May 5 (©GettyImages)

New Manchester United boss David Moyes is hopeful of convincing Wayne Rooney that his long-term future lies at Old Trafford, according to the Guardian.

Out-going boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after his last home game against Swansea earlier this month that Rooney had handed in a transfer request - the second of his Manchester United career.


Moyes, who was in charge of Everton when Rooney was sold to the Red Devils in 2004, now has the difficult task of handling the England international and either letting him leave for the right price or finding a place to keep him happy within his new squad.

Rooney, who pulled a similar stunt in 2010 while questioning Manchester United's ambition, has found himself usurped by the arrival of Robin van Persie last summer which has seen the 27-year-old played in various other positions and left out of key games.

However the Guardian report that Moyes, who visited United's Carrington training this week ahead of his first day on July 1, is confident of persuading Rooney that the best place for him is in Manchester.

The paper claim that since Ferguson announced his departure and Moyes was named named his successor Rooney is open to wiping the slate clean and looking to continue his Manchester United career.

The key to Rooney's future will come when contract negotiations open this summer. The former Everton man has two years left on his current contract but United are unlikely to be willing to offer a pay-rise from his current wages of around £300,000-per-week.

While Rooney's future remains in the air, one man who looks like staying put at Old Trafford is Rio Ferdinand. The defender is set to sign a new contract extension with the club when he returns from holiday.

Monday, 20 May 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo should chose Manchester United over Chelsea


Opinion: Ronaldo should look for a move to Manchester United or PSG over a switch to Chelsea


Cristiano Ronaldo has transformed into world football’s most wanted player, even though many regard Lionel Messi to be better than him. Subsequent to the four-time Ballon d’Or winner’s strong attachment with Barcelona, many big clubs know that tempting the Argentinian would not result in anything positive.
Ronaldo, on the contrary, is always ready for new challenges, and he looks set to follow in David Beckham’s footsteps, when it comes to trying his abilities in various leagues.
Although he spent roughly six years in the Premier League under the Manchester United jersey between 2003 and 2009, the Portuguese icon has been tipped to make a return to England by re-associating himself with the Red Devils.
Nonetheless, French champions Paris Saint-Germain have appeared as potent contenders to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, lately. Hence, the idea of playing in a new top-flight league in which he has never performed before could impel the No.7 star to make a pause and reconsider his various options.
Excitingly though, Ronaldo’s options are not limited to these two mega clubs only, as Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has joined the transfer race. Indeed, Chelsea have shown great interest in the Real Madrid playmaker, and they have yet to give up the chase.
Whereas many believe that a mammoth deal from the Blues would be enough to trigger a move for Ronaldo, others are more convinced that the former Red Devil will only sign for Chelsea if current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho moves to Stamford Bridge.
Interestingly, Mourinho looks poised to reunite with his former English club after the end of this season, and luring Ronaldo away from the Bernabeu is something he is expected to do, after filling Rafael Benitez’s shoes.
At this point, no one can really tell if Ronaldo will decide to sign for Manchester United, PSG or Chelsea. Perhaps, the 28-year-old could opt to improve his collective record with Real Madrid before kissing the Spanish capital club goodbye.
But whatever Ronaldo decides to do, going for a Chelsea move would be a mistake. 
Indeed, as one whose respect and love for Manchester United is still very much alive and burning, choosing to break the hearts of the Red Devils by signing for their arch-rivals would be damaging to his own reputation.
Moreover, it would be a sign of great disrespect to his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who played an essential role in his rise to massive success. Agreeing a transfer to Chelsea would in fact not only place Ronaldo in a no-go area, but also would it compel him to absorb a huge deal of pressure.
Such moves, which are often mainly backed by love for money, require a high level of courage and self-confidence. Eventually, such ventures can even prolong the needed period of adaptation in a new club, and in Fernando Torres’ case – who daringly switched from Liverpool to Chelsea in 2011 – this fact couldn’t be better justified.
Evidently, every player has his career, and some decisions can prove to be more or less harmful than they seem. But in the end, one tip applies to every footballer of any kind: always join the club where your heart is.
It was apparent that Cristiano Ronaldo did not sign for Real Madrid back in 2009 only for money purposes. Rather, his adventurous aspect, merged with his old love for Los Blancos was what made him leave England.
Luckily for him, and surely deservedly, he has found great success at the Madrid club, especially at individual level. Having worked his way through the historic ranks of the team to become Real’s sixth all-time top scorer with 200 goals in only four seasons, there is no denying that Ronaldo has brilliantly racked up an achievement that cannot be forgotten.
Now, where else would he find peace, happiness and success? Where will he find his heart again?
Speaking of a transfer to PSG, the idea could sound beneficial and interesting, considering that Ronaldo would be – for the second time in his career – moving to a club that David Beckham just left. 
The Englishman announced his retirement on Thursday, leaving an empty space of stardom within the French side, which Ronaldo could well fill up. Perchance, CR7 might not play in exactly the same position as Beckham did at the Parc des Princes, but he would definitely be a great long-term substitution for PSG.
And who knows, Ronaldo could even find the love and space he needs in Paris, where he could ultimately settle as a veteran player for good.
Then again, contemplating Ligue 1 champions PSG or English Premier League champions Manchester United would be a wise thing for Ronaldo to do after a Real Madrid exit. But a transfer to Chelsea FC is definitely not an option with bright ends.
Furthermore, considering Ronaldo is visibly not too tight to Jose Mourinho at personal level, chasing him all the way to London would not seem proper. Again, taking into account the huge rage that would erupt among Manchester United fans if he signed for Chelsea, there is no way the Portuguese winger could justify a move to the blue side of the English capital, without pointing to Abramovich’s immense wallet.
After all, if more silverware, stability and long-term success are what truly matter to Cristiano Ronaldo, then PSG and Manchester United have all he needs to keep building his already-illustrious career.

Manchester United must act fast to sign Kevin Strootman

Manchester United opinion: Kevin Strootman will be an ideal signing for the Red Devils



Strootman has attracted interest around Europe  (©GettyImages)
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The coming summer transfer market will see Manchester United aim to ‘tweak’ the current squad in a bid to retain the title next term. 

The club’s admiration for PSV midfielder Kevin Strootman has been no secret, as they have been tracking the Dutch international for quite some time now. 

Most people surrounding Old Trafford expect the midfield area to be a focus for change for the club, and who better than Kevin Strootman himself to fill the void. 

Identifying The Need

In recent years, Manchester United’s midfield area has looked fragile and weak. Both the ageing of Paul Scholes and the retirement of Roy Keane have been the catalyst for this. 

While Michael Carrick has proved himself this season as the ideal short-term replacement for Scholes, the team is still missing that Roy-Keane-style box-to-box midfielder: A player who will boss the midfield, make crunching tackles and marauding runs. With most teams playing a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 in the modern game, it is imperative for teams to have a combination of both attacking and defensive-minded midfielders.

Phil Jones looked to be an ideal successor this season, but has lacked on the attacking side of the game. The 19-year-old would be much better suited to developing himself as a centre-back, and for the club to invest in a more well-rounded-midfielder. 

Keen interest from others

There has been no shortage of interest for PSV Eindhoven's midfield enforcer, with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United firmly placing the player on their radar. 

For Manchester United to obtain the Dutchman's service it's imperative that they act fast. 

The summer transfer window is highly competitive and the club should make a special effort to get the deal done. With that being said, fans are in good hands as Manchester United is notorious for bringing players to Old Trafford early.

Why Strootman is a suitable candidate

In terms of skills, the player has the potential to be the complete midfielder and to become a real success at Old Trafford. The Dutch international will also serve as a compliment to Michael Carrick in midfield.

With Carrick playing the role of a deep-lying playmaker, Strootman can dominate the midfield and become a potential captain of the side. His box-to-box style will allow him to contribute to team attacks, as well as offering another defensive wall in front of David De Gea’s goal-line. The Dutchman has great vision, can pin-point passes through defence and, perhaps most importantly, is capable of making intelligent runs on and off the ball.

These runs often lead to scoring opportunities both for him and his team mates. Such skills would offer a new dynamic and strength to United’s attack, which would increase the club’s potential to be a force in both domestic and European competitions.

From a financial stand point, the 22-year-old isn’t a player that will cost United over £25 million and is well within the club’s budget. Rated at £17 million by PSV, Strootman would be a bargain and, more than this, he would be a wise investmentIn recent transfer windows, Sir Alex has been out-bid and has lost the opportunity to sign world-class talent.

 This year, David Moyes should make a special effort to sign the Dutchman, as he’d be a fantastic addition to the squad. After all, the new Manchester United manager only needs to look at the success of previous Dutch players that have come to Old Trafford.



German defender ends Manchester United & Chelsea interest


Manchester United & Chelsea transfer news: Mats Hummels set to stay at Borussia Dortmund

Hummels set to stay at Dortmund. (©GettyImages)
Manchester United and Chelsea are set to miss out on German international defender Mats Hummels this summer.
The 24-year-old centre back has been linked with both Premier League clubs and La Liga champions Barcelona, according to talkSPORT, after another colossal season with BVB.
And, the player is clearly happy with life at the Westfalenstadion, committing his future to the Champions League finalists for another season at least.
"I will certainly be at Dortmund next season. There has been no contact with Barca or any other team," he told Kicker magazine.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, as the champions look to make themselves a force on the European stage.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson is no longer at the Old Trafford helm, and transfer decisions will be down to new Red Devils chief David Moyes.
Whether the Scot is also interested in Hummels remains to be seen, but Manchester United already have plenty of options in the position and now appear unlikely to land the player.
Chelsea also have options at centre back, with John Terry, David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic all fighting for chances at Stamford Bridge.
They too will have a new manager at the helm this summer though, and his ideas could include an addition for the Blues at the heart of defence.
Hummels does not appear to be the man for Chelsea however, and it’s unsurprising given his recent success with the Bundesliga outfit.

Sunday, 19 May 2013

David Beckham hailed as 'incredible' by Sir Alex Ferguson


Ferguson has paid tribute to Beckham after the former Manchester United player announced his retirement from the game

Ferguson & Beckham shared a special relationship. (©GettyImages)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has come out with a glowing testament for former Manchester United player David Beckham. 
Beckham, who like Ferguson has decided to call time on his illustrious career, became the only Englishman to win four different league titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and PSG.
Beckham played what seemed to be his last match for PSG last night and was substituted amongst emotional scenes as he waved goodbye to all his fans. 
Along with the number of decorations he has received the former England captain is also England’s most capped outfield player ever with 115 caps.
Beckham’s retirement comes shortly after Ferguson and Paul Scholes announced their retirement from the game providing a triple blow for Manchester United fans across the world.
Ferguson has now paid tribute to his former player and joked about the multiple retirement declarations. 
"It’s catching fire - these retirements," Sir Alex told manutd.com.
"He’s had a great career, David, and it’s amazing how he has from every sort of different way reinvented himself. Going to America, many thought it was the end of his career but he came back played for England, Milan and PSG.
"The one thing he always had was fantastic stamina. As a young boy, he had the best stamina in the club. All the figures in terms of endurance that we used to do, he was always ahead of everyone else."
United sold Beckham to Real Madrid after the manager and Beckham had a falling out but have since patched up their differences. 
With the world of football about to lose one of it most recognizable faces one hopes that the footballing community soon discovers another talent like David Beckham to fill in the void left by the departure of this colossal figure.

Saturday, 18 May 2013

Gareth Bale & Leighton Baines to solve Manchester United's left-sided issue


Manchester United opinion: David Moyes should look to bring Gareth Bale & Leighton Baines to Old Trafford this summer



Could Bale head to Old Trafford this summer? (©GettyImages)

David Moyes will be soon be in charge of Manchester United and looking to produce a comprehensive study of his squad before he reaches into the transfer market. 
It has been evident at United that there have been shortcomings in the squad that have been ignored in recent weeks due to the success of the Red Devils reclaiming the Premier League trophy.
However problem positions do remain and it will be United's policy to enter the transfer market to solve them. There are particular problems down the left hand side at Man United, however it seems solutions can be found in David Moyes' backyard.
Problem position: Left-back
Patrice Evra, since his arrival in 2006, has been an outstanding defender at United. His pace, athleticism and durability have cemented his place in the team and nobody else has has a look-in.
However this season, apart from his new found goal-scoring ability, he has been relatively inconsistent and poor from defensive positions. Being on the wrong side of thirty has taken that bit of pace and strength that makes all the difference against energised, youthful attacking wingers. However a replacement can be found that follows the same journey as David Moyes.
Solution: Leighton Baines
Leighton Baines has had an outstanding season at Everton and offers all the attacking and defensive abilities that Manchester United need all in one. His key asset is the balance in his game that he offers, which United have not seen since the likes of Gary Neville. Attacking wise, he is creative, dynamic and clinical with his great range of crossing ability. Defensively, he is a rock and is eager to get back to the defensive line, something which cannot be said of Evra this season.
Problem position: Left-midfield
United's left-midfield is beginning to get problematic. The evergreen Ryan Giggs is more often deployed in centre midfield these days so his days of racing down the wing and well and truly over.
People may point that Shinji Kagawa can play in this position but he looks more equipped to play further the forward line whether has a supporting striker or attacking midfielder. The only other candidate for this role is Ashley Young, but he has performed averagely most of the season and it seems his common tactic of cutting in to use his right front has became predictable and more critically sussed out.
Solution: Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has had, once again, an incredible season with Tottenham Hotspur. His sheer speed, exquisite dribbling ability and penchant for the wonder strike will certainly brighten up what has became a vacant, dull position for United. 
His 20 goals and eight assists this season highlight the brilliance that the welsh wizard is capable off. Bale would bring the drive, appetite and focus that is clearly lacking in the wingers department at Man United and in addition offer the creativity that United would fully endorse in front of goal.

Friday, 17 May 2013

Manchester United: End of an era after another icon retires



David Beckham joins Paul Scholes & Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United icons that are set to retire

Beckham & Scholes both came up through the United youth academy (©GettyImages)


Britain’s biggest club, Manchester United, have created so many icons. Three of those have now retired in little over a week.
It started with coach Sir Alex Ferguson on May 8. Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes followed suit last weekend. The latest Red Devil icon to announce his retirement from football is David Beckham.
On Thursday afternoon, the news broke. The only British man to win the league in four different countries decided to call it a day in his playing career. Last weekend, Beckham enjoyed a title triumph with PSG – a club for which he signed in January this year before asking his salary to go to charity. 
His contributions for the French giants, who ended a 19-year wait to become Ligue 1 champions again, has not only come on the field. David Beckham’s influence at Paris Saint-Germain has mainly been felt by its power to offer publicity to French football through the media since the transfer took place four months ago. 
After his retirement, Beckham told reporters: “I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.
“If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams.”
David Beckham’s CV includes spells at Preston North End, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and Milan. However, no period in his career can rival his achievements at Manchester United where he played 394 games and scored 85 goals – winning six EPL titles, four FA Community Shields, two English FA Cups, one FA Youth Cup and the historic 1999 UEFA Champions League title.
In football, players and coaches go but the name of a club remains unchanged. Manchester United are grooming new British players such as Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones to name a few. Soon, the Red Devils’ line up will look entirely different from what it was ten years ago. Even the evergreen Ryan Giggs will one day retire. Can the new generation of stars maintain the supremacy of United. Certainly from the retirements that have taken place in the past couple of weeks, Manchester United have suffered an end of an era.