Manchester United Transfer Tracker: Week of June 17 News and Rumours
Another week, another outrageous batch of transfer-related gossip regarding Manchester United.
The Red Devils are bound to be active players in the market this summer, with new boss David Moyes armed with a bumper transfer kitty to spend.
This article will wrap up all the rumours from between June 17 to June 23, so make sure to stay tuned for all the updates.
United Close to Sealing Thiago Deal
1 of 9Thiago Alcantara was immense as Spain romped home to clinch the Euro U21 Championships earlier this week.
His name has vaulted to the top of many clubs' wishlists, most likely Manchester United's too.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old may be close to signing for the Red Devils in a deal worth £17 million.
"The Premier League champions have stolen a march on rivals Manchester City by agreeing personal terms of £5m-a-year with Thiago, 22, and his father Mazinho," it is claimed.
If this is true, the Spanish playmaker would be the first significant signing of David Moyes' reign.
Arsenal Remain in Hunt for Wayne Rooney
2 of 9There remains lingering doubt as to the future of Wayne Rooney at Manchester United.
The English forward may believe his time at Old Trafford has expired, and that a move elsewhere would be best for his future.
If this is the case, the Red Devils' Premier League rivals Arsenal are ready to pounce.
Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has declared "[Rooney] is a great player. If he comes it would be a big success for Arsenal and for Rooney also" (h/t The Sun).
The London side would have to smash their current wage and transfer structure to do it, but it seems the coup is a possibility.
Cesc Fabregas Pours Water on United Link
3 of 9It is thought that Cesc Fabregas is currently one of David Moyes' top summer targets.
The Barcelona attacking midfielder has been touted as the man to fix the Red Devils' midfield woes, either in a deeper-lying or advanced position.
But in an interview with Movistar, the World Cup-winning Spaniard dismissed rumours of an exit in this transfer window (h/t The Telegraph).
"I want to triumph in Barcelona, that club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can," he said.
It seems Moyes and United will have to look elsewhere.
Gerard Pique Urges Thiago to Snub United
4 of 9Speaking of Barcelona players, Thiago has been another name high-up on Moyes' wishlist.
The young playmaker was key in the recent Euro U21 Championships, leading Spain to glory with a hat-trick in the final.
He would be an ideal addition for the Red Devils. Although one former United player is not so keen on the idea.
Gerard Pique, centre-back for Barca, has spoken to radio programme Al Primer Toque in order to persuade Thiago to remain at the Camp Nou (via Daily Mail).
"There is a possibility that he could leave but we have to convince him that the best place for him is Barcelona," he said.
Rio Urges Lewandowski and Fabregas to Join United
5 of 9Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas have been two players heavily linked with the Red Devils in the past few weeks.
With neither player apparently close to joining, United defender Rio Ferdinand has taken it upon himself to be the man to persuade them to move to Manchester.
Speaking to The Sun, Ferdinand said "If United come in for you, you take it" (h/t Daily Mail).
"As a player aged between say 23 and 27 that is what you should be looking at. It shows you are going somewhere and want to win trophies."
Lewandowski is 24, Fabregas is 26.
Nani Not Worried About His Future
6 of 9The future of United winger Nani remains up in the air.
The Portugal international is coming off of a very inconsistent season, though recurring injury problems were partly to blame.
According to The Sun, Arsenal, Monaco and Napoli have all shown interest in acquiring his services, but Nani is calm about his future.
""My future? Nothing is certain, I am calm. I have everything in my hands. I am not saying that I will not continue at Manchester United.
"I will think about what is best for me. I have respect for the Portuguese clubs, especially Sporting Lisbon but also Benfica and Porto, but I don’t think that is viable."
"
Borussia Dortmund Adamant Lewandowski Will Stay
7 of 9Rio Ferdinand's pleas might fall on deaf ears where Robert Lewandowski is concerned.
The Poland international was in blistering form for Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, scoring 36 goals in all competitions.
It seems now that manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to keep him around for at least one more season.
In an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung (via ESPN), club CEO Aki Watzke said "Robert will definitely play for Borussia Dortmund next season. We need planning certainty."
Along with Manchester United, Bayern Munich is also sure to be disappointed by Watzke's words.
United Target Bruma to Remain in Portugal
8 of 9Sporting Lisbon youngster Bruma is currently one of the hottest names in football.
The 18-year-old is a lightening-quick winger with tricky feet and good balance. He has been compared in style to none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to Sky Sports, "Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham [are] all said to have scouted the winger."
Bruma has split with his agent over disputes regarding his future. In an interview with Record, he said "Sporting is the club that I love and I would like to discuss a new deal with the president. Personally, I am happy at Sporting."
Bad news for the Red Devils, who will have to wait to land a future star.
United to Go to War over Van Ginkel
9 of 9Marco van Ginkel was impressive at the Euro U21 Championships, playing for the now-eliminated Dutch side.
The Vitesse midfielder is another highly-rated youngster who may be on the verge of moving on to bigger and better things.
A report from ESPN claims "van Ginkel has yet to decide where he will be playing his club football next season. [He] could be the subject of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Chelsea."
Speaking to Sky Sports News Radio, the 20-year-old said, "Manchester United? I didn't know... I have two more years at Vitesse. It's a club who's growing, so I'm also happy there."
The Daily Mail claim his price tag could be around £15 million.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
