Manchester United are still in a chance of signing Atletico Madrid star Diego Godin after the player turned down Manchester City, reports MARCA [via the Daily Express].
The Citizens offered the 29-year-old £90,000-a-week [Express] to come to the Etihad Stadium, but is reported to have refused the offer. The Sky Blues had triggered his €40 million release clause [MARCA] to start negotiations, only for the player himself to reject the move.
As a result, United still have hope of signing the Uruguay international.
However, the Red Devils are targeting Real Madrid ace Sergio Ramos ahead of the Atleti stalwart, and also see Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi as an option [Express]. Everton’s John Stones is another who has been linked [Daily Mirror], displaying the vast array of players Louis van Gaal is understood to be considering.
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City are perhaps more interested in Godin, having already demonstrated their desire to sign the centre-back with a concrete offer.
Eliaquim Mangala struggled to establish himself in the Premier League after his £32 million [BBC] move from Porto last season, and Martin Demichelis can’t be expected to play at a high level for much longer at 34-years-old.
Meanwhile, United conceded only 37 goals in the Premier League last season, the fourth least behind Chelsea, Arsenal, and Southampton. However, the side were somewhat flattered by the sterling performances of David De Gea. The Spaniard’s outstanding work between the sticks ensured that a litany of defensive errors went unpunished.