The biggest stories from Wednesday coming out of Old Trafford.
Manchester United prepare £35m bid for Juventus’ Arturo Vidal
There has long been speculation linking the Red Devils with the Chile international and their interest hasn’t waned just yet.
According to the Daily Star a January bid of £35m is being prepared for the Juve midfielder as long as he stays fit during the coming months.
The reason United didn’t make a stronger move for Vidal over the summer was due to Louis van Gaal’s concerns over the South American’s knee problem.
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Gerard Pique could make a shock return to Old Trafford
In a bid to improve their defensive fragility the 13-time Premier League champions are preparing to bring a former player back to the club.
The Daily Express reports that FC Barcelona centre-back Pique is being lined up by van Gaal more than six years after he left the Theatre of Dreams.
The 27-year-old is currently residing on the bench at the Nou Camp due to the emerging partnership of Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu at the back.
Sampdoria goalkeeper Sergio Romero insists he did not reject the Red Devils
The Argentine has spoken out about his links with United and reveals that he did not reject the club and is still open to a January move.
Romero is currently on the bench at Sampdoria and is behind former Arsenal loanee Emiliano Viviano for a place in the first team.
“Many lies have been spread, like, for example, that I refused a transfer to Manchester United. To me, something like that is crazy,” the stopper was quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
Michael Carrick being considered as a centre-back
After another disappointing result on Sunday – a 5-3 loss to Leicester City – van Gaal is looking to other options in his squad to shore up the defence.
Both Chris Smalling and Tyler Blackett looked below par against the Foxes and the manager may turn to Carrick as a makeshift central defender, according to the Daily Mail.
The 33-year-old has played in the role before and is available to the Dutchman having recovered from injury.
Defensive target Ron Vlaar to open contract talks with Aston Villa
Despite having been targeted by his former Netherlands boss van Gaal the 29-year-old is ready to start negotiations at Villa Park.
The Birmingham side want to tie Vlaar down to a new long-term deal after his impressive performances for club and country in recent times.
The Mirror reports that the defender is ready to talk about a new contract after taking time to consider his future.