Manchester United Transfer News: Toni Kroos, Memphis Depay, Sadio Mane Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid's playmaker, Toni Kroos, two years after opting not to sign the Germany international. It's a deal that raises questions about the future of manager Louis van Gaal.

The Daily Mirror's John Cross stated the Red Devils are "back in the hunt" for Kroos, but he thinks it raises doubts about Van Gaal staying at the club, given his role in United's previous pursuit of the German:

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United tried to sign Germany midfielder Kroos from Bayern Munich two years and former Red Devils boss David Moyes believed it was a done deal.

But Van Gaal pulled the plug when he took over in the summer of 2014 and Kroos ended up going to Real Madrid.

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Cross also noted how Kroos has said he'd like to play in England one day. Yet that may not be on Van Gaal's watch given the ongoing rumours suggesting Jose Mourinho will take over this summer.

Cross stated Mourinho wants to job at Old Trafford, but Van Gaal remains determined to stay on for at least another season.

But the intriguing thing about any interest in Kroos is how his style of play would actually suit both managers.

As a stylish and steady passer who plays between the lines and boasts excellent vision, Kroos would fit the possession-based game Van Gaal adores. The 26-year-old gave an ample demonstration of his quality on the ball during Real's 0-0 UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg draw with Manchester City on Tuesday.

Kroos took excellent care of the ball, as the tournament's official site detailed:

Yet, while composure in possession is valuable, Kroos also has qualities a counter-attacking manager like Mourinho would be sure to love.

Specifically, the German's clever off-the-ball movement, coupled with a powerful and accurate shot, make him a credible goal threat from midfield. Mourinho could encourage those traits to make Kroos a prolific supporting player for his forward line, the way he did with Frank Lampard during his first spell at Chelsea.

Despite United's interest, B/R's Sam Tighe thinks Kroos fits best with neighbouring rivals Manchester City:

Kroos seems destined for the exit door at Madrid. Back in mid-March, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told Sky Sports (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Sun) how the World Cup winner is "determined to leave Real Madrid this summer."

No matter who is in charge at Old Trafford next season, United's squad will be stronger if Kroos is in it.

United Explore Winger Swap with Southampton

One move United may already be exploring is a swap deal involving Memphis Depay and Sadio Mane. The Reds are reportedly "desperate" to send the former to Southampton in exchange for the Saints' Senegalese ace, according to Alex Crook of the Daily Star:

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Saints boss Ronald Koeman remains a big admirer of Depay from his time in Holland and tried to buy the Dutch international before he joined United.

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain were also amongst the clubs desperate to secure his services.

United had an approach for Mane knocked back last summer but the £30m rated Senegalese flier is still high in their wanted list.

Mane has struggled for form for much of this season but has scored four goals in his last five games.

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Southampton manager Ronald Koeman may have been high on Depay once, but he'd be foolish to consider this deal now. As Crook noted, ex-PSV Eindhoven star Depay has done next to nothing to live up to the massive fee United paid for him last summer.

Tony Marshall/Getty Images

He's struggled to see the field, and when he has, Depay has looked off the pace, particularly in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has only scored once in domestic action, while failing to provide a single assist in any competition, according to WhoScored.com.

Mane may not have hit the heights of last season, but he is still Southampton's most dynamic player in the final third. His pace, ability to play on either flank and clever runs through the middle make Mane a roving forward essential to the fluid counter game Koeman preaches.

United may want Mane, but Southampton should wrangle a top fee out of Old Trafford before selling their fleet-footed attacker. Koeman might think he can get the best out of Depay, but that's a big risk, one not worth taking if Mane has to be part of the deal.

Whether they sign Mane or not, United need Kroos' quality in the middle next season.