Saturday’s Manchester United transfer gossip: Barcelona are now believed to be leading the race for Colombian World Cup star Juan Cuadrado, Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford; plus more…
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Barcelona to beat United to Juan Cuadrado
Manchester United look set to miss out on the signing of Colombia and Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, with Spanish giants Barcelona now favourites for the players signature.
According to reports in the Daily Express, Cuadrado has been plagued by transfer speculation since his sharp rise to prominence, the catalyst of which were his stellar performances for World Cup surprise package Colombia.
Domestic side Fiorentina reacted immediately to enquiries by slapping an inflated £30m price-tag on their coveted star. But after months of confusion, doubts and failed negotiations – Barcelona are finally close to capturing their man.
Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to rule out Old Trafford return
World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has not ruled out a return to Manchester United later in his career.
Reports in the Manchester Evening News state that the 29-year-old, who left Old Trafford in 2009, was linked with a move back last summer before signing a new long-term deal at Real Madrid.
But asked ahead of Real’s clash with United in Michigan whether he could ever see himself returning to the club he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, the Portuguese forward claimed anything is possible.
United finally ready to clinch £12m Vermaelen signing
The Guardian believe that United are on the verge of finally completing their £12m move for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, following a lengthy transfer saga.
United have been given the green light to move for Vermaelen after Gunners manager Arsène Wenger admitted the player could leave the club before the close of the transfer window.
However, United face competition from Barcelona for the Belgian defender’s signature with Arsenal preferring to sell abroad and not to a direct rival.
Liverpool to aid United in Hummels chase
Liverpool could unintentionally aid Manchester United in their pursuit of Mats Hummels by agreeing to loan the German side youngster Tiago Illori.
That is according to the Daily Star, who believe that Louis Van Gaal is desperate to sign Hummels, who shone in Germany’s victorious World Cup campaign in Brazil
And his attempts to snap him up are being aided by arch rivals Liverpool, who are willing to let 21-year-old Portuguese defender Ilori, who spent last season with Granada, move to Dortmund on loan to replace him.
Louis van Gaal happy with current squad
Conversely, reports in the Daily Mirror suggest that there could be fewer additions than expected at Old Trafford this summer – as manager Louis van Gaal is happy with his current squad.
United have already added midfielder Ander Herrera and left-back Luke Shaw this summer, and there is a chance that there will be no further business from the club this summer.
Defensive duo Thomas Vermaelen and Mats Hummels are both wanted by Van Gaal, but the United boss claimed he was not concerned at the lack of arrivals.