Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia, with Real Madrid having made an offer for the player.
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It is no surprise that the Merengues are keen on the Argentina international, although the Daily Express reported in June that Rafael Benitez was stalling on making a decision concerning the midfielder.
With the likes of Casemiro, Lucas Silva and Asier Illarramendi on the club’s books, it was understood that the ex-Liverpool coach would assess his existing options before making a decision on whether to move for Biglia or not.
However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport [via the Daily Express] the coach clearly decided that he needs the deep-lying playmaker, and has made a £15.6 million move for the Albiceleste star.
It remains to be seen whether the Rome club will accept the Blancos’ approach, with the Express understanding that they are holding out for bids of £21 million. If this is true, the two sides are clearly some way off in their valuation.
United have also been linked with the midfielder—who featured for Independiente and Anderlecht before moving to Lazio in 2013 [Metro].
Van Gaal may see Real’s confirmed interest as a sign that he should look elsewhere as he attempts to identify a potential successor for Michael Carrick, who will be 34 by the time the coming season begins.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, and Real’s bid for Biglia could see LVG intensify his attempts to sign the Bayern legend [Mirror].