Manchester United Transfer News: Aleksandar Mitrovic and Radamel Falcao Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly close to completing a deal for Anderlecht forward Aleksandar Mitrovic as Louis van Gaal bids to bolster his forward options.

That’s according to reports in Italy (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro), which claim that the Red Devils will meet the release clause of £15 million in the Serbian’s contract. It’s also noted in the piece that Newcastle United have had a bid accepted for the striker and that Arsenal have also scouted him.

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The 20-year-old would certainly add a different edge to the Red Devils’ attacking lineup. His best qualities are aerial power, refined hold-up play and clinical finishing in front of goal, as illustrated by the 20 goals he’s scored already this term, per Sanderson’s piece.

As Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe noted earlier in the season—when Mitrovic made a huge impression coming off the bench against Arsenal—all the tools are there for him to go on and become a top centre-forward:

United could be on the hunt for striking options this summer, too. Radamel Falcao’s future remains in doubt after a tough spell on loan from AS Monaco, and as Tighe notes here, there are big question marks when it comes to the future of Robin van Persie, too:

Nonetheless, a move to Old Trafford might be too big a step for Mitrovic. He’s a player who has been at his best for the Belgian outfit when playing in a sustained run of games and, although United seem poised to be a little short in forward options this summer, it’d be a big surprise if they didn’t add some high-profile names in that facet of the squad.

However, if Van Gaal can give Mitrovic some reassurances about his playing time, then a move to the Red Devils could be exactly what’s required to launch the Serb’s career.

Radamel Falcao Stay Dependent on David de Gea

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Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has reported that Falcao could be set to stay at United and his future could hinge on whether David de Gea decides to extend his stay with the club.

He outlines the details behind this complicated situation:

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Both Falcao and De Gea are represented by agent Jorge Mendes and United have intensified their efforts in recent weeks to keep their Spanish goalkeeper.

Falcao, who has not scored since January 31, could form part of an agreement whereby United decide to keep him for a second season to pacify Mendes.

United sources insist that, despite four goals in 27 appearances, 29-year-old Falcao is not certain to leave Old Trafford and his future is intertwined with that of De Gea.

"

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So it seems as though the Red Devils have a choice between having both of these players or neither. While they will be desperate to keep hold of De Gea—who has blossomed into one of the top goalkeepers in the game—signing Falcao for a lucrative amount to keep him around would certainly represent peculiar business.

However, OffsideLiam of The Independent thinks that provided the fee is reasonable, United should look into the prospect:

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As long as it's not ridiculous, £25m and under, I'd be OK with Falcao staying as long as it mean Dave is too.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) May 5, 2015"

"

I mean, I'd rather not have Falcao on for another season, but, Dave's indispensable and will be hard to find another GK like him.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) May 5, 2015"

Luckhurst states in his piece that United players have claimed De Gea has been “distracted” since returning from the international break and that any new deal for him could include a release clause. As such, the Red Devils shouldn’t allow themselves to be held to ransom here; whether the Spaniard extends or not, if Real Madrid do come calling, it’s going to be very tough to resist.

Nathaniel Clyne Happy at Southampton

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England international full-back Nathaniel Clyne has enjoyed a superb season with Saints, prompting interest from the likes of United, per Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror.

The defender has one year left to run on his current deal with Southampton, and the club’s supporters will be concerned that another quality player could be on the move. However, Clyne has insisted he is happy on the South coast and negotiations are underway, per Prenderville’s piece:

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I'm enjoying my football for Southampton, playing week-in, week-out and it’s an up-and-coming club, so, yeah, I’m happy playing for Southampton and happy to stay at Southampton as well.

My agent is negotiating, so I will just leave it with my agent and I am just going to concentrate on playing my football.

"

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United certainly need to add some reinforcements to the right-back slot. Rafael has endured an injury-plagued season, meaning Antonio Valencia has had to fill in there for much of the campaign. However, while the Ecuadorian offers plenty going forward, his defensive work leaves much to be desired.

As noted by WhoScored.com earlier this season, Clyne provides a much more defensively assured presence in that position:

The Southampton man would be a brilliant signing for the Red Devils, and provided he doesn’t agree on a new deal with Saints soon, they could pick him up for a cut-price figure.

Clyne will be keen to test himself at the top level, and at 24 years old, he may feel as though this summer is the ideal time to move on. Should United land him, expect the former Crystal Palace man to add pace, intensity, defensive determination and a desirable balance to this team on the right flank.