Tuesday’s biggest stories for the Red Devils.
Louis van Gaal confident Manchester United will sign AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman
With Strootman back in action for Roma following a cruciate ligament injury the Red Devils are finally ready to land their long-term target.
The Telegraph reports that van Gaal has already shaken hands with Strootman on a deal for the Netherlands international to make the move to Old Trafford.
However, if Roma advance to the Last-16 of the Champions League at the expense of Manchester City then the deal will have to wait until next summer.
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Van Gaal denies United need to sign defenders in January
After losing Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic over the summer and then a string of injuries, it’s been widely considered the 13-time Premier League champions will make new defenders a priority for the New Year.
There are also concerns over the capabilities of current players such as Jonny Evans, Rafael and Chris Smalling, but van Gaal says no signings are needed at the back.
“Do we have to buy (defensive) players? No. We have more than enough,” the 63-year-old was quoted by the Daily Express.
Red Devils move ahead of Valencia in race to sign Benfica’s Enzo Perez
If a deal for Strootman doesn’t materialise then an alternative to the Dutchman has been found in the shape of Perez.
According to talkSPORT the English giants are now the favourites to sign the Argentina international as Los Che can’t afford the 28-year-old’s asking price of £25m.
Perez has been impressing for Benfica in recent times, helping them to the Primeira Liga title in 2013/14 and also a second successive Europa League final in the same year.
Van Gaal wants reunion with Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben in £24m deal
Another Dutch international being targeted by the ex-boss of the national team is Robben, who Man United are hoping to land in a £24m deal, according to the Daily Express.
Van Gaal has signed the 30-year-old in the past, originally bringing the winger to Bayern from Real Madrid back in 2009.
However, the Bundesliga champions are in a good position not to sell and will not listen to offers from Man United unless Robben himself requests a transfer.
Robin van Persie warns Liverpool he is back to his best
After netting a match-winning brace against Southampton in a 2-1 victory at St Mary’s on Monday the striker has sent a warning message to the Reds.
United host Brendan Rodgers’ team at Old Trafford on Sunday and van Persie feels that he is back to his best ahead of the clash.
“Last week, I was thinking against Stoke that I had a really good feeling; I was feeling fit. The next game is Liverpool, so we’re looking forward to that. We are really happy that we are on the way up now,” the 31-year-old was quoted by the Sun.