Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of July 22

As another week passes, it becomes increasingly apparent that Manchester United have not made a significant summer signing.

Former targets Thiago Alcantara and Kevin Strootman have sealed moves to other clubs, while Cesc Fabregas seems no closer to moving to Old Trafford.

This article will wrap up the latest in United-related speculation from both the British tabloids and foreign media outlets.

Keep coming back as news breaks during the week.

Monaco in for Nani

United winger Nani was impressive only in brief bursts last season.

The Portugal international failed to find any sort of consistent form, while also suffering from an unfortunate bout of injuries.

The 26-year-old's time at Old Trafford will most likely end up being defined in terms of unfulfilled potential.

French big-spenders Monaco may be willing to take a punt on him if a report in The Express is to be believed.

"Reports in France claim Nani is currently in talks with Monaco, with Manchester United willing to cut their losses on a player who could be sold for less than £8.5 million," it claims.

Red Devils Still in for Bale

If you had asked Manchester United fans who they most wanted the club to sign this summer, Gareth Bale's name would have been close to the top of the list.

The Welshman was in extraordinary form for Tottenham Hotspur last term, winning the PFA Player of the Year award for his troubles.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils remain in the hunt for the 24-year-old's signature.

The British tabloid reports that "Interest from Real is genuine, as indeed it is from United. As it stands, an offer is most likely to come from Old Trafford."

It would take a staggering amount to lure him to Manchester, though.

United Considering Fellaini Bid

The trail linking the Red Devils with Marouane Fellaini has seemed to have gone cold in recent weeks.

But a report in The Sun on Wednesday claims that David Moyes is considering making a bid for his former midfield brute.

According to the tabloid, Moyes has a week to decide whether or not to activate the Belgian's £22 million buyout clause.

"Moyes is keen to strengthen with some big signings as the new season approaches and wants bodies in," it claims.

"This means he may now switch his main focus to triggering the release clause in Fellaini’s contract."

United's Second Fabregas Offer Rejected, Prepare Third Bid

In news that will disappoint the majority of Manchester United fans, but not necessarily surprise them, Barcelona have rejected the Red Devils' second offer for Cesc Fabregas.

This according to the Daily Mail, who claim "United are believed to have offered in excess of £30 million having had an initial £25 million bid turned down by the Spanish champions."

Responding to the news, fellow British tabloid The Mirror carried a report that David Moyes will not be deterred by the rejection.

"Manchester United will make a third and final bid of £34 million for Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas," claims writer David McDonnell.

Good or bad, this week is likely to see the end of the ongoing transfer saga.

Chelsea Confident in Landing Rooney

Wayne Rooney's Manchester United future remains in serious doubt.

The forward has expressed a desire to leave the club this summer, a move which has thrown up several potential suitors both within England and abroad.

Chelsea lead the chase for his signature if the latest transfer reports are to be believed. Martin Lipton of The Mirror claims that "Chelsea believe it is a only matter of time before Wayne Rooney is their player."

"But the Blues are resigned to not landing Rooney in time for him to return to Old Trafford in a Blues shirt on August 26."

The Blues believe they can land the 27-year-old for £30 million.

Rooney Refusing to Submit Transfer Request

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho may be confident in landing Rooney, but the forward remains reluctant to hand in an official transfer request to United.

So claims Jack Wilson in a story printed in British tabloid the Daily Star on Monday.

According to the report, "There is no possibility of Rooney requesting to leave the club as he did back in 2010."

The paper does not give a reason for this, though one can reasonably guess that Rooney would be unwilling to incur the wrath of United fans, especially since there is a possibility he could remain at the club.

Those same fans are hoping for a conclusion to this bitter saga, but it seems a resolution is not forthcoming.

United Make £30m Bid for Cesc

As the Wayne Rooney transfer saga rolls on, Manchester United seem to be upping their interest in Barcelona attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Former defender Denis Irwin claimed back in June that the Red Devils were "going to move heaven and earth" to sign him, according to this ESPN report.

According to Joe Bernstein of the Daily Mail, United have made a £30 million offer for the 26-year-old, having seen a £26 million bid knocked back by the Spanish champions.

"Moyes is impatient to make his first major signing since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson," claims the tabloid paper.

The Scotsman will be keen to establish himself as a manager capable of luring the world's best to Manchester.

Vilanova Departure to Harm United's Chances of Landing Fabregas

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova's resignation from the club due to an ongoing battle with throat cancer is a tragic end to the 44-year-old's short-lived reign.

The current turmoil at the Camp Nou is certain to put the brakes on any transfer negotiations with other clubs.

So claims The Guardian in a report by Jamie Jackson from Saturday's edition of the newspaper.

"United were reported to have made an improved £30 million offer for the Spain midfielder on Saturday but any deal now risks being delayed or even scrapped due to the search for a new coach."

The new manager may well view Fabregas as a more important asset to the Blaugrana as his predecessor.

Moyes Considers Modric Move

Now to transfer news that does not involve either Wayne Rooney or Cesc Fabregas.

Should the Red Devils' bid to sign Fabregas fail, Spanish paper Marca claims that Luka Modric could be the next target in David Moyes' crosshairs (h/t The Express).

"A return to England could give the Croatia international a timely boost ahead of the World Cup next year," the report claims.

Followers of the Premier League will remember Modric for his terrific performances at previous club Tottenham Hotspur.

This 2011 article by Duncan Castles of in The National reports that United have shown an interest in acquiring his services before.

Real Say Ronaldo Is Not for Sale

Real Madrid have made it clear Cristiano Ronaldo will not be making a return to Old Trafford this summer.

The news will come as a disappointment to Manchester United fans who had optimistically hoped that a move might be on the cards.

According to Riath Al-Samarrai and Bob Treasure of the Daily Mail, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti told reporters "Cristiano Ronaldo is the most important player in this team. He has the best quality. He is always working to do his best every time. When he does we will have a great opportunity this season."

"As I said he is the most important player of Real and his future will be at Real Madrid. There is no question about this," he said.

The forward left United in 2009 having scored 118 goals for the Red Devils.

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