Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Athletic Bilbao Trio Set for Old Trafford

After being knocked out from Europa League by the Spanish club, Manchester United appear keen on signing some of their rival's best players.

Sir Alex Ferguson is pondering a £70 million raid on Athletic Bilbao, continuing the youthful transfer policy started in the last summer transfer window, reported caughtoffside.com.

United will try to sign Iker Muniain, Javi Martinez and Oscar De Marcos in order to boost their somewhat weak midfield.

Iker Muniain was one of the standout performers against United in Europa League. The youngster is a dynamic, creative midfielder capable of playing on both wings and in the middle of the park which makes him a valuable asset.

Only 19, he already has over 100 domestic appearances to his name and it's only a matter of time before he breaks into Spain's national team starting XI.

Sir Alex is a long-term admirer of Javi Martinez, but his price tag remains a big issue to United. Martinez, 23, can slot in at the defensive midfield as well as in the centre-back position.

The youngster has ambitions which cannot be fulfilled in Bilbao and could opt for a move to England.

Oscar De Marcos, 22, has been one of the revelations in La Liga so far.

The Spaniard scored in both legs vs. United and earned the admiration of Sir Alex. Nevertheless, he is still to be capped for his national team.

De Marcos is a player of great potential, but his £26 million release clause seems to be putting United away.

Whether or not these rumours come true, one thing is sure—Athletic Bilbao will have a lot of problems trying to keep their team intact.

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