Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 16

Manchester United put in one of their best performances of the season to date when they thumped Aston Villa 3-0 on Sunday, and on Monday they were given a favourable Champions League Round of 16 draw with Olympiacos.

Rarely this term has the good news come so quickly, and no doubt manager David Moyes will be looking to build on the goodwill with some positive action in next month’s transfer window.

The following slides will examine several of the players being linked with a move to Old Trafford and this page will be updated regularly throughout the week. So check back often to see who may be arriving at United in January.

- Last Updated 20 December -

Red Devils Ponder Rakitic Acquisition

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Manchester United could be poised to swoop for frustrated Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

According to David Wright of the Express, the 25-year-old is losing patience with the Spanish outfit’s lack of success and could angle for a move during the January transfer window.

But the club are adamant that any suitors would have to match the Croatia international’s release clause, which is pegged at £33 million.

December 20

United Reportedly Interested in Alex Teixeira

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With the likes of Ashley Young and Nani seemingly unable to emerge from the fringes of the United squad, Moyes has been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Alex Teixeira.

According to Tom Hopkinson of the Mirror, Teixeira impressed several United players during Shakhtar’s Champions League encounters against the Red Devils earlier this season and could be available for £25 million.

Capable of playing from both wings and through the middle, Teixeira might even have more upside than former teammate Willian, currently at Chelsea.

December 16

PSG’s Matuidi Linked to United

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That Manchester United manager David Moyes must bolster his midfield next month is hardly breaking news, but after failing to land several of his coveted players during the summer, he’ll have to move quickly and decisively if he hopes to sign his January targets. 

One of those players is thought to be Blaise Matuidi, with John Richardson of the Express reporting that the PSG man could be available for £7 million next month.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at season’s end, meaning the Ligue 1 giants might actually be keen to move him on.

December 16

Reus Could Be Headed to Old Trafford

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Manchester United continue to be interested in acquiring Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund, writes John Edwards of the Daily Mail.

The 24-year-old, who can operate both through the middle and on the left flank, has so far scored 11 goals in all competitions this season and is seen as someone who would instantly boost what has become a popgun United attack.

Reus has a £30 million release clause in his current contract at Dortmund, and while the club are keen to re-sign him to a more lucrative contract he may be swayed by options abroad.

December 18

United Eye Inter’s Ranoccia

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According to Gary Jones of the Daily Star, Manchester United are one of several clubs interested in signing Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia when the transfer window reopens next month.

Ranocchia, 25, has been capped 12 times for Italy since 2010 and was acquired by Inter Milan from Genoa for €12.5 million in 2011.

United were first said to be eying the Nerazzurri centre-back in March when Charles Perrin of the Express linked him to Old Trafford.

December 19