Manchester United Transfer News: Recent Chatter Surrounding Red Devils' Summer

The transfer window is undeniably frustrating. 

As soon as the clock strikes midnight on July 1—and really, quite some time before that—rumours begin to run rampant. Every player in Europe who had a somewhat decent season is suddenly a "passed physical" away from joining a new club. Every manager is "set" to break the transfer record with some earth-shattering offer.

And every fanbase sets itself up for disappointment, as about one in every 74 rumours turns out to be true.

With endless reports coming through the airwaves again this summer, a better way to speculate on your club's future might be to only pay attention to quotes from teams, managers and players.

No "unnamed sources." No "I'm hearing." No "it is believed."

With that in mind, let's take a look at what we actually know is going on right now—you know, unless these direct quotes are made up. 

Cesc Fabregas Isn't Going Anywhere

Rumors have been circulating that Manchester United are set to break the club transfer record by offering up £40 million for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, which would be their third offer for the Spanish maestro. 

Even if that turns out to be true, and United are indeed breaking out the big guns, it seems an offer that's going to fall on deaf ears—or at least ears that really don't seem to care what the Red Devils cough up.

Everyone from the Spanish side is reported to be saying the same thing, only in a different way. 

Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, per ESPN, put it simply, saying "(Barcelona) will reject a third. In other words, Fabregas will remain here." Vice president Josep Mario Bartomeu backed up that claim, saying Fabregas "is not for sale." Teammate Javier Mascherano, per the Mirror's Alex Hankin, said Fabregas is happy, while Alex Song called it "just speculation," noting that Fabregas "loves the club and the city and I think he wants to continue with Barca."

Perhaps it's time to move on. 

Fabregas is a world-class talent who would give Manchester United a much-needed boost in midfield, but he is not leaving Barcelona anytime soon.

United Showing Interest in Saphir Taider

Cesc Fabregas, Luka Modric, Marouane Fellaini: Manchester United have been linked to some big-time stars in midfield, but perhaps an underrated name will be David Moyes' next signing. 

In an interview with the Corriere di Bologna, Saphir Taider's agent George Atanaga made it clear that United have inquired about the French midfielder, per the team's official website:

"I've not heard from Inter. I have been in touch with other clubs, like Manchester United, though."

If I were a betting man—and I most certainly am not when it comes to the unpredictable transfer window—I would guess that United will fix their midfield problem with Fellaini.

The 25-year-old Belgian has a strong relationship with Moyes. He is a box-to-box midfielder who gives the Red Devils some much-needed "nasty" with his aggressiveness and energy, not to mention his ability in the air and as a passer. He's an ideal fit for a reasonable price. 

Nevertheless, Taider is an intriguing option who won't break the bank, costing €18 million (a little less than £16 million), per the report. 

He is more of a defensive midfielder—he scored just three goals and tallied three assists in 34 Serie A appearances with Bologna last season. But he is a capable distributor (completed 87.5 percent of his passes, according to WhoScored.com) who holds onto possession well and has impressive pace. 

The 21-year-old isn't a household name, but he has the potential to be one very soon.