Sunday’s Manchester United transfer gossip: Angel Di Maria will snub a move to Manchester United despite a big money offer, Arturo Vidal is close to completing his move to Old Trafford and more…
Read more Manchester United transfer news.
Di Maria snubs Old Trafford move
Angel Di Maria will snub his proposed move to Manchester United due to the club’s lack of Champions League football.
The Sunday Express are reporting that the Argentine star has turned down a a bumper £150,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford, despite his desire to leave Champions League winners Real Madrid this summer.
The Express believes that both Arsenal and Chelsea will now have the opportunity to make a move for the £40m rated 27-year-old, who scored four goals and provided 17 assists in La Liga last season.
Van Gaal targets German duo
The Express are also claiming that United’s summer spending spree will include German international duo Mats Hummels and Marco Reus.
United are long term admirers of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Hummels, and are desperate for reinforcements in the position following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Hummels club teammate Reus had apparently set his heart on a move to Barcelona, but was angered when the Catalan side appeared to decide on a move for Luis Suarez rather than him. The fallout from the moves collapse has now left United favourites for the players signature.
Arjen Robben would be ‘welcome’ at the club
Arjen Robben has ruled out leaving Bayern Munich for Manchester United this summer, according to reports in the Sunday Telegraph.
However, Louis van Gaal has left the door open for the star of his Netherlands World Cup team, admitting that the attacking midfielder would always be welcome to join him at Old Trafford.
Robben says he shares a “special bond” with Van Gaal, and calls him the most important coach of his career, but that does not mean he will be following the new United boss to Manchester for the new season.
Van Persie and Rooney among captaincy contenders
Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney are among the contenders to take over the Manchester United captaincy next season, with the armband available following the departure of Nemanja Vidic.
The Sunday Mirror claims that Van Persie is the leading candidate for the role, after impressing Van Gaal with his impressive leadership skills during the Netherlands World Cup campaign.
He will face competition from Wayne Rooney, who has spoken on several occasions of his desire to lead the Old Trafford club, commenting: “I am interested in the captaincy. I feel I am ready, but it’s the manager’s decision.”
United closing in on Arturo Vidal
United are thought to closing in on long term target Arturo Vidal, with the Metro reporting that Juventus have been convinced by a bid of £32m and Patrice Evra.
The 27-year-old Chilean World Cup star was one of United’s prime targets this summer, and they are thought to be within days of getting their man.
Vidal is currently on holiday but has reportedly set his heart on a switch to England and is on standby to travel for a medical, once United boss Louis van Gaal returns from the World Cup.