Thursday’s biggest stories for the Red Devils.
Chelsea want to beat Manchester United to signing of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale
The Red Devils appeared to be leading the chase to sign the Welshman, but now the Blues have also entered the race.
According to Tuttomercatoweb with Bale struggling to establish himself in the Madrid starting XI the West Londoners are considering a move next summer.
The 25-year-old cost Los Blancos a world record £85.3m in 2013 so it would take a hefty offer to prise him away from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
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Raphael Varane will cost any interested party £19m
Another Madrid star who could be in his way to either Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford is Varane, with the Frenchman frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities currently.
The Daily Express reports that Los Merengues appreciate that the 21-year-old wants to leave, but are holding out for at least £19m for the centre-back.
Jose Mourinho is thought to be the favourite to tempt his former player into a reunion, meaning United may have to turn to FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique instead.
Yet Man United are also prepared to tempt Atletico Madrid into selling Miranda with £20m bid
Manager Louis van Gaal has made a new central defender a priority in the January transfer window and this Atleti star could be the ideal choice.
Miranda is said to have a £24m release clause written into his contract at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, but van Gaal doesn’t want to offer more than £20m, according to the Daily Star.
Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte, Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels and Winston Reid of West Ham United are also being monitored.
Ron Vlaar has also given United and Arsenal hope by confirming he is leaving Aston Villa
The agent of the Villa skipper, Arnold Oosterveer, has revealed that his client will be leaving Villa Park having entered the final year of his current deal.
Van Gaal is keen on a reunion with the fellow Dutchman at the Theatre of Dreams, whilst the Gunners are also keeping a close eye on Vlaar.
“It is obvious that for Ron, now is the moment to make a nice big move in his career. You can imagine that we are not in a hurry. I don’t want to react to the rumour that he will move to either Arsenal or Man United, but Ron is very ambitious,” Oosterveer was quoted by the Mirror.
Anderson willing to join Brazilian club Gremio on a free transfer in January
It looks as if the future of the midfielder at Old Trafford has come to an end and a return to Brazil is something the 26-year-old is open to.
Anderson has managed just two appearances under van Gaal this season and has openly admitted he would like to rejoin Gremio.