Van Gaal to spend big on three new faces as deals edge closer.
SEE ALSO: Arturo Vidal spotted at Manchester United ahead of transfer!
Manchester United could be close to announcing the signings of three new players, with new manager Louis van Gaal succeeding in bringing in some world class names in £84m’s worth of spending.
The Red Devils have been determined to do whatever it takes to improve their squad this summer after a disastrous campaign in 2013/14 which saw them finish 7th in the Premier League under David Moyes, and they now look set to add two new world class players as well as a highly promising youngster to their ranks after negotiations this week.
Much progress has been made in three major deals, and it is understood that only a few finishing touches are needed before the trio can be confirmed as United players, with one or more possibly set to go through within the next 48 hours.
3) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund, £20m)
The first of United’s signings in this superb spending spree will be Borussia Dortmund and Germany star Mats Hummels. The rock-solid centre-back has become one of the best in Europe in recent years after his tremendous performances and resulting success for both club and country, and he has been identified as van Gaal’s priority target to come in in that position. A £20m fee has now been agreed between the two clubs and the player is keen to move, with personal terms and a medical the only things that need completing before he can complete his transfer to Old Trafford.
Barcelona had also been keen to sign him, and despite recent images of ‘Hummels 5’ shirts going up for sale in Spain, the confirmation of Barca star Sergio Busquets taking the number 5 shirt today looks to have discredited those rumours, with the Catalan giants focusing on other targets such as Paris Saint-Germain youngster Marquinhos.
2) Arturo Vidal (Juventus, £47m)
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has informed the Italian champions of his desire to leave the club this summer, and they have as a result decided to reluctantly accept an offer of £47m from Manchester United. The Red Devils have long been keen to secure a world class signing in midfield, and they are now closing in on a deal that will see one of the very best midfield players in the world move to Old Trafford. The Chilean has been superb for Juve in their three consecutive Serie A title wins, and was also impressive for his national side at this summer’s World Cup, where he also attracted the interest of United’s rivals Arsenal, though it now looks as though it is the Red Devils who have won the race for his signature, with contract negotiations ongoing but looking positive.
1) Memphis Depay (PSV, £17m)
Finally, van Gaal is keen to bring in the highly rated Memphis Depay from PSV. The Dutch winger impressed for the new United boss at this summer’s World Cup, and is one of the most exciting young talents in the Netherlands at the moment after some superb goalscoring displays for his club last season. United have matched PSV’s asking price of £17m after looking like missing out on their first choice Angel Di Maria, and Depay’s potential looks like making him an excellent long-term addition for the club in their problem position out wide. With the club spending big on these three deals, wide-men such as Nani and Wilfried Zaha could be set for summer exits, which would in turn make Depay first choice out wide for the Red Devils.