Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of October 6

Manchester United have finally found some momentum with their 2-1 win against Everton, and now find themselves in the early Champions League qualification positions. 

Goals from new signings Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao sealed the victory for Louis van Gaal, with a stellar performance from David de Gea halting an Everton equaliser. 

Once again, United started the match with two teenagers in defence—Paddy McNair and Luke Shaw—and certainly need to further strengthen in the January transfer window.

Here, we take a look at LvG's latest targets and the gossip surrounding the club, including a bold claim about United trying to buy Gareth Bale.

—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10—

Wesley Sneijder Shock Free Transfer to Manchester United

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Friday, October 10

Wesley Sneijder could finally be about to become a Manchester United player after it came to light that the Dutch international may leave Galatasaray, in January.

The Metro reports that the player will become a free agent in the next transfer window after a clause was triggered in his contract, due to unpaid wages for three successive months.

The newspaper says that Sneijder has confirmed he has not recently been paid, and under FIFA rules he could leave the Turkish club, as claimed by the Dutch press. 

If true, Sneijder would be allowed to join United for nothing, allowing the Red Devils flexibility in negotiating his high wages. 

Roma Tell United to Forget About Kevin Strootman

Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

Thursday, October 9

Roma owner James Pallotta has told Louis van Gaal to forget about stealing Kevin Strootman away from his club, claiming he has no intention of selling his star midfielder to Manchester United.

James Gaughan of the Mail Online reports the supremo claimed that not even a £75 million bid for the Dutch player would turn his head:

"

It is just not happening. I have told the papers they should stop wasting paper. We don't have any interest in selling Kevin. As businesspeople, when people call and say ''we want your player'' you are going to listen them. You have to do that.

That doesn't mean you are going to make a decision that, £75million, bang, you hit the bid. That is not the way it is going to work with us. For others maybe. Our view is we want to put a great team out there; our goal is stability.

"

Strootman was an integral part of LvG's Netherlands side before injury destroyed his World Cup hopes, and the player will surely remain on the United manager's radar. 

Agent Puts Marek Hamsik's Future in Doubt

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Wednesday, October 8

Napoli's highly regarded midfielder Marek Hamsik could be soon about to depart the Serie A club after his agent refused to speak about the player's plans.

Jamie Anderson of the Express writes that Hamsik's agent Juraj Venglos has "hinted at an exit," and was coy when asked about the Slovakian international's intentions, only saying: 

"Future? I prefer not to talk about that.”

Anderson says Venglos' comments could be in reaction to Napoli's indifferent start to their campaign and the growing discourse surrounding the tenure of manager, Rafa Benitez.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all potential destinations for the player, who at 27 years old should be coming into his prime. 

Mats Hummels Hints He Would Consider Leaving Borussia Dortmund

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Tuesday, October 7

Germany international Mats Hummels has hinted that he would consider leaving Borussia Dortmund—if a big club that played attractive football moved for his signature.

Jamie Anderson of the Express quotes the defender speaking about a possible switch in the future:

"

If a club with a bigger reputation than Dortmund were to make a move, but I don't like the way they play football, I wouldn't even consider a move. At Dortmund, the style of play is exactly like I want to play football.

"

Hummels is a long-term target of Louis van Gaal's and the Dutch coach's philosophy surely be one that the player would find appealing.

United are still in the market for a marquee centre-back and Hummels fits the bill. 

Manchester United to Chase Gareth Bale

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Monday, October 6

Manchester United are said to have changed their focus from landing Cristiano Ronaldo, to acquiring Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.

Jack Wilson of the Daily Star writes that Bale has not settled in the Galacticos team this season and United are monitoring his situation. 

Madrid purchased James Rodriguez last summer, and with Carlo Ancelotti allegedly unhappy with Bale's defensive work, the Welshman could find himself on the fringes of team selection, per Wilson.

Wilson also says that United inquired about Bale shortly before the player left Tottenham Hotspur, and will now focus on bringing the player to Old Trafford. 

Arturo Vidal Quashes Manchester United Link

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Monday, October 6

Long-term Manchester United transfer target Arturo Vidal has rubbished talk of him arriving at Old Trafford, implying that there has never been a concrete offer from the Premier League giants.

Robin Cottle of the Mail Online writes Vidal has stated to Tuttosport he is happy at Juventus and his family is content in Turin:

"

The truth is I was calm and relaxed this summer, only focusing on my knee. I never once asked my agent or Juventus if something was happening. I have a pact with my agent: if there is something concrete, he alerts me. He did not alert me.

...

All I can say is I'm happy in Turin, my wife loves Turin and the little ones are happy here. My family's happiness is more important than anything else.

"

The 27-year-old has started the season well for the Serie A champions, scoring twice in four starts, per WhoScored.com.