Old Trafford side look to bring in Spanish and Dutch international talents.
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Man United are said to be closing in on deals to bring in two young midfielders they hope will freshen up a potential area of weakness in the Old Trafford squad David Moyes inherited from retiring boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
With Paul Scholes retiring from the game for a second time and Darren Fletcher recovering from long term illness David Moyes doesn’t have a wealth of options at his disposal.
Man United are ready to listen to offers for Brazilian Anderson who has struggled for form throughout his six seasons at the club, with interest said to be registered by a number of parties including former club FC Porto.
Veteran England man Michael Carrick greatly impressed in 2012/13 but Tom Cleverley is still very much a work in progress and Moyes has been given the green light to step up efforts to bring in reinforcements.
CaughtOffside understands that Man United representatives have met with Malaga officials ahead of an imminent bid for Spanish midfielder Isco. The Premier League title holders are keen to beat local rivals Man City to the signing of the 21 year old playmaker, mindful of the fact that the starlet’s current boss, Manuel Pellegrini, is set to take over at the Etihad Stadium.
Moyes has sent scouts out to Israel to monitor Isco’s displays at the European Under 21 Championships and the former Valencia man hasn’t disappointed, playing a major role in Spain’s excellent group stage wins over Russia, Germany and Holland.
Man United are said to be ready to trigger Isco’s release clause thought to be set in the region of €35m (£29m), a fee that Moyes has been told is well within the club’s price-range, with the incoming boss being handed a significant transfer fund to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.
Isco has enjoyed two standout seasons since moving to La Rosaleda, last term showing signs of a player able to provide a consistent end product, be that in the form of goals or assists.
Now capped at full Spanish level Isco will be all too aware that a high-profile move this summer will boost his chances of a more meaningful role in Vicente del Bosque’s national team set-up, all the more relevant with the 2014 World Cup Finals now less than a year away.
David Moyes could well do with a goal-scoring schemer who can ably link midfield and attack and Isco’s dozen goals last term show a player with an eye for goal and his form in the Champions League last season shows that as well as having a great deal of potential the young Spaniard is more than able to deliver the goods immediately.
Isco is thought to prefer a move to Man United over a Man City switch and with neither Barcelona or Real Madrid looking to bid for his services it appears that David Moyes may well win the race to sign a player considered one of the hottest prospects in European football.
David Moyes is also looking to add more steel and bite to his midfield and is with that in mind Man United are said to be in advanced talks to sign PSV Eindhoven’s Kevin Strootman, who is also currently competing in the European Under 21 Championships.
23 year old Dutch international Strootman offers the battling qualities of a defensive midfielder, the type of which Moyes could certainly do with in his Man United squad, with the offensive abilities of a playmaker.
The powerfully built midfielder racked up five goals and 11 assists in Eredivisie action alone last term and is a player who’s physicality could lend itself well to life in the Premier League.
PSV Eindhoven boss Dick Advocaat has publicly stated that it would be in Strootman’s own best interest to leave the confines of the Dutch Eredivisie to fully capitalize on his obvious potential with the former national team boss stating earlier this month;
“For PSV it would be good if he stays, but for Strootman himself it’s better to leave,”
“He’s the reserve captain of the Dutch national squad and PSV will make another step next season.
“This guy fits everywhere. He’s a fantastic player because he knows exactly what his qualities are.”
Man United are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Strootman, who’s representatives have privately told the Premier League side that their client is very keen to complete a deal to move to Old Trafford.
Such a move is set to cost Man United around £16m.