January Transfer Window: 5 Manchester United Rumours from This Week

With the January transfer window nearly upon us let's take a moment to look at some of Man United's transfer rumours from the past week.

Last week's edition looked at rumours linking United to centre back Inigo Martinez and midfielders Gaitan, Sami Khedira and Lucas Biglia. So what's the gossip this week? Let's take a look.

Isaac Cuenca

According to TalkSport, 20-year-old winger Isaac Cuenca is being hunted by United, Arsenal and Chelsea. The youngster has made five league appearances for the Barcelona first team this season, and has scored twice.

According to the Metro, Cuenca's contract negotiations with Barcelona have come to a halt because Cuenca is looking for a significant pay rise. Therefore clubs could be able to either agree a contract to sign the player in the summer or get him for a reasonably cheap price in January.

According to Pep Guardiola:

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Physically speaking he might not be popular with the ladies, but on the field he does things that will amaze you. He does his work perfectly.

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Cuenca has immense skill, but would he be able to rival the likes of Nani, Young and Valencia?

Ricardo Montolivo

According to givemefootball.com, Sir Alex's prudence in the January transfer window could lead to him missing out on Ricardo Montolivo's signature.

The Italian is coming to the end of his contract at Fiorentina and cannot agree upon a new one, meaning that SAF wanted him to join United at the end of his contract in the summer.

Unfortunately, AC Milan are willing to pay out in January for the player and Fiorentina will be more willing to accept a fee than let the player go for free.

Liverpool are also rumoured to be interested.

Berbatov Staying?

Following a week that saw him continually linked to his former club Bayer Leverkusen, skysports.com revealed that Dimitar Berbatov is willing to fight for his place at Old Trafford.

SAF has recently mentioned to the press that he was going to use the year extension clause in Berbatov's contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2013. However, it was uncertain until this week as to whether Berba wanted to stay.

Check out my article from earlier this week which outlines why Berbatov should stay at United.

Rasmus Elm

Rasmus Elm's agent has revealed to skysports.com that there are "a number of top clubs" interested in his client.

Speaking to bundesligapremier.it, his agent Patrick Mork said:

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"The interest of Manchester United? I cannot expose myself citing specific clubs but I can guarantee that Rasmus is observed closely by big sides in all Europe's major leagues."

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So are United interested in the midfielder or not? With the European Championships coming up, Elm's club AZ Alkamaar may want to wait until the summer to sell the player, drumming up more interest if the player performs well in the competition.

On top of this, we all know that SAF isn't keen on spending in January, so it may be more likely that this transfer will take place in the summer.

Luka Modric

Caughtoffside.com have reported that United are ready to offer £30 million to Spurs to try and prise playmaker Luka Modric from them.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has said on many occasions that Modric is not for sale. However, teams like United and Chelsea have tested their resolve on a few occasions.

Modric has been linked with United nearly as much as Wesley Sneijder as fans and pundits alike have speculated as to how Fergie will solve his midfield issues.