Could William Carvalho be the latest big-money signing at Manchester United…
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is preparing to take his summer spending beyond the £150m mark as he turns his attention to Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho.
Reports in the Daily Mail suggested that the Portuguese star’s current club have lowered his asking price to £23.8m, which could tempt United into making a move for the impressive young midfielder, who has been heavily linked with Arsenal.
The source believes that the two clubs have met to discuss the holding player, and that United will firm up their interest if they fail to convince long-term target Arturo Vidal to move to Old Trafford from Juventus. It is unlikely that they will sign both players.
United boss Van Gaal needs reinforcements after a desperate start to the season that has seen his team take just a point from two Barclays Premier League games and crash out of the Capital One Cup 4-0 at League One MK Dons.
The Dutchman remains keen on signing Vidal, but believes Carvalho to be a suitable alternative. However, the United hierarchy reportedly has concerns over both players: while the former is carrying a long-standing knee injury, they are dubious about getting involved in negotiations with Lisbon again, after the difficulties they had completing their deal for Marcos Rojo.
Meanwhile, United have interest in Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck from ‘five or six’ clubs and either could leave before Monday. Welbeck, understandably, would prefer to go to a club at the top end of the league while Cleverley may choose to run his contract down.
United also have offers for Japan playmaker Shinji Kagawa but perhaps unsurprisingly are struggling to move on Brazilian failure Anderson.
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