Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of September 8
The window may have only just closed, but Manchester United have continued to plan their attack on the transfer market to take them back to the top of English football.
Manager Louis van Gaal still has a number of targets he would like at Old Trafford, and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will surely look to add to the squad in January.
Here, we take a look at the latest news and gossip surrounding the Red Devils, including the sensational return to United of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
—LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11—
Xavi Rejected Move to Manchester United
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Thursday, September 11
Barcelona legend Xavi turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Ben Jefferson of the Express writes that the highly decorated Spanish midfielder had the chance to join the Old Trafford team in recent weeks but "decided that he was not willing to join clubs he considered to be rivals of Barca."
Louis van Gaal was the coach who gave Xavi his debut for the Catalan super club during his tenure and wanted the 34-year-old to join him at United, per Jefferson.
Jefferson explains that Xavi has had a multitude of offers in recent times but has opted to stay at the Camp Nou for an additional season.
Manchester United and Liverpool to Battle for Dani Alves
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Wednesday, September 10
Barcelona full-back Dani Alves could be on his way to the Premier League next season with Manchester United and Liverpool both competing for his services.
Anthony Chapman of the Express writes that Alves becomes a free agent after the current campaign, with no new contract in the pipeline for the 31-year-old Brazilian defender, at the Camp Nou.
And Chapman says Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers would both like to add the player to their squads in a short-term deal.
But Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are also both interested in capturing the flying wide talent, per Chapman, making him one of the hottest free transfers of next summer's window.
Juan Mata to Juventus on Loan?
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Wednesday, September 10
Just months after becoming Manchester United's record signing, Juan Mata might already be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and on his way to Italian champions, Juventus.
Ben Burrows of the Mirror reports that Tuttosport believe the Old Lady will move for Mata in a loan deal, in January. They will then press forward with a £24 million bid for the Spanish international to make the deal permanent.
Burrows says that Juve would prefer a loan deal in the first instance due to current financial limitations at the club.
Mata's place in United's first team is now in jeopardy due to the arrivals of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, and a move to Serie A could be preferable to warming United's bench.
Adnan Januzaj Concerned About His United Future
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Tuesday, September 9
Adnan Januzaj is said to be worried about his place in Louis van Gaal's new look Manchester United squad after the club's huge spending spree, in recent weeks.
Gary Jones of the Daily Star writes that the young Belgium winger has held "crunch talks" with LvG after the team's move towards a 5-3-2 formation and the purchase of Angel Di Maria.
But Van Gaal has moved to reassure the teenage prodigy and has told the player that he is firmly in his plans, per Jones.
Di Maria's arrival will limit Januzaj's playing time in the coming months but with United in need of an injection of world-class talent, the young attacker will now have to battle his way into LvG's first eleven.
Cristiano Ronaldo Orchestrating Move Back to Manchester United?
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Monday, September 8.
It seems that Cristiano Ronaldo has become increasingly disillusioned with life at Real Madrid, opening the door for a return to Manchester United in what would be one of the most sensational transfers of all time.
Paul Smith of The Independent writes that the Ballon d'Or holder is ready to quit the Galacticos, with Angel Di Maria confirming that the Portuguese legend is saddened by his current situation: "I don't know how much longer Ronaldo can put up with it at Madrid. I get the impression that he is not very happy."
Smith also quotes Ronaldo and Di Maria's agent, Jorge Mendes, who confirmed his client's discontent after the former Red Devils winger commented negatively about Madrid's transfer policy: "Ronaldo's comments are based on things I am aware of and he is at liberty to divulge them. These comments have not surprised me and certainly not upset me."
CR7 confirmed last week his intentions to wear the red shirt of United once again, per Smith: "I love Manchester. Everyone knows that. Manchester is in my heart. I left many good friends there. The supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day."
Smith also explains that the player is aware he is slipping down the rankings of the world's best-paid players, now earning less than Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney at United. This can only help fuel his thoughts of leaving the Spanish capital.
Paris Saint-Germain Favourites to Beat United for Kevin Strootman
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Monday, September 8.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain have leapfrogged Manchester United in the race to sign Dutch talisman Kevin Strootman.
Jamie Anderson of the Express writes that PSG are now favourites to land one of Louis van Gaal's prime targets after offering Roma the services of Adrien Rabiot plus cash for the midfielder.
However, Anderson explains that Rabiot is scheduled to become a free agent next summer, forcing PSG to move for the £40 million-rated Strootman in the January transfer window to complete the deal.
Rabiot is currently in dispute with the French champions after refusing a new deal with the club and has been dropped from their Champions League squad as a result, per Anderson.
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