Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Buzz From Red Devils' Summer Plans

Manchester United have already claimed the top spot in the Premier League with their title in 2012-13, but don't think that will stop them from putting together some spectacular summer moves in the transfer window.

With new manager David Moyes stepping into the colossal shoes of the departed Sir Alex Ferguson, a large magnifying glass will be used over the Red Devils as they aim to continue their reign over the EPL and world club football.

Let's take a look at the latest news and buzz coming out of Old Trafford.

Ezequiel Garay

The big-bodied Benfica defender has long been linked to a Manchester United move, and it looks closer to coming to fruition after a confusing day of reports.

The latest news surrounding Garay is that United are the favorites to land him, after Benfica wrapped up a deal for his potential replacement, per Charles Perrin of the Daily Express. 

However, this contradicts a report from earlier in the day by Ian Herbert of The Independent, who stated early Tuesday that Garay's move to Old Trafford would be "unlikely."

But the positive news for United fans is the most recent, which gives hope for the Red Devils that Perrin's report trumps Herbert's in accuracy.

The 26-year-old Garay has emerged as one of the best defenders in football, and his age makes him an attractive candidate to immediately enter the fold as one of United's starting central defenders. His 6'4" frame matches up well for the position and the physicality of playing in the EPL.

Wayne Rooney

The ever-changing saga that is Wayne Rooney's offseason has taken another turn that indicates the prized English striker may be staying put, but it's not all clear by any means.

David Maddock of the Mirror reported late Tuesday that Rooney is still chasing down closure on the reported feud between him and Sir Alex Ferguson. 

As you may recall, Ferguson announced Rooney made a transfer request in May, per ESPN UK, which was in the wake of United's Premier League title. Since, Rooney has made it clear that he never made such a request and would like the truth to be acknowledged, per Maddock.

However, Rooney has made it clear that he would be willing to move around the pitch to stay a Red Devil so long as the feud can be resolved, per Maddock's report. 

Rooney met with Moyes in a secret meeting earlier this week, but the biggest courting and talks are set to happen on Wednesday when Rooney and a couple of his advisers will sit down with Moyes to go over the specifics of his long-term plan for the club.

A former United assistant chimed in to David Anderson of the Mirror Tuesday, saying he thought it might be in Rooney's best interests to chase down a new challenge. 

It's certainly promising news for United fans that Rooney is receptive to taking a different role with the club, but his adamant tone on the Ferguson issue is worth being concerned about.

Thiago Alcantara

The prized Barcelona midfielder has garnered some of the biggest talk from Manchester United's summer—and for good reason.

Moyes and crew are doing a lot more than talking about a deal, apparently, as Charles Perrin of the Mirror reports that Manchester United are "willing to triple" Thiago's current salary for his move to Old Trafford. 

But it's not all good news for United. Also mentioned in Perrin's report was that Alcantara took to his personal Instagram account recently, posting a picture with a caption that read, "I love Barcelona."

Manchester United have been seen as a likely new home for Alcantara ever since they activated his release clause in late June, per the Express. His buyout clause dropped from a staggering £77 million to £17 million since he didn't appear in 60 percent of Barcelona's action this season.

The release clause puts Alcantara in control of his future. He can sign with whichever club he chooses, and it certainly seems at the moment that United are willing to back up the dump truck full of money. 

Kevin Strootman

The PSV Eindhoven midfielder has a big roadblock in the way of a potential move to Old Trafford.

According to Stefan Coerts of Goal.com, PSV's brass are holding firm on their 23-year-old talent and preventing him from joining rumored clubs like United and Napoli.

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PSV sporting director Marcel Brands has made it clear that the club have no intention of selling Kevin Strootman ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

The midfielder has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Napoli also made an enquiry for the 23-year-old this summer.

However, the English champions have turned their attentions to Thiago Alcantara instead, while a move to the San Paolo now seems out of the question as well following Brands' latest comments.

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The Dutch international is under contract until 2016, so if PSV are dead set on holding on to him, nobody will be touching the central midfielder in this year's transfer window.

But money talks, and United certainly have a lot of it. We'll see over the next few days and weeks what their ideal plan for the future of their midfield is.