Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of October 20
Manchester United returned to Premier League action this week knowing their English rivals are showing signs of weakness.
Despite Chelsea's impressive start to the campaign, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal look anything but their best.
Indeed, both Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger's defences look every bit as fragile as United's has in recent times.
And with January now only around the corner, thoughts turn to who Louis van Gaal can bring to Old Trafford to further strengthen his Red Devils side.
Here, we take a look at the latest rumours and names linked to LvG's revolution.
—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24—
Victor Valdes Rejects Louis van Gaal's Advances
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Friday, October 24
Former highly decorated Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United on a short-term contract.
The Metro reports that the Spanish international has opted not to play for the Red Devils after Louis van Gaal offered the shot-stopper a deal to arrive in the Premier League.
The Metro also say that El Mundo Deportivo believe Valdes does not wish to deputise for David de Gea, after moves to Monaco and Liverpool fell through.
Valdes has recently spent time with Van Gaal at Carrington, working on his fitness since becoming a free agent but his stay looks likely to only be temporary.
Former Juventus Star Believes Arturo Vidal Will Leave the Old Lady
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Thursday, October 23
Former Juventus player Nicolas Amoruso has spoken about his belief that Arturo Vidal will soon leave his club for a challenge away from Italy.
Paul Handler of The Manchester Evening News quotes Amoruso, fuelling further speculation that Vidal might be heading to Manchester United:
"It seems to me that there will soon be a split [between Vidal and Juventus]. He is a player of value, but he needs to go and compete in other leagues."
The Red Devils are still in need of top class midfield reinforcements and would surely move for the Chile international if he is willing to depart Serie A.
Louis van Gaal to Chase Fredy Guarin?
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Wednesday, October 22
Inter Milan are prepared to sell midfielder Fredy Guarin in January, triggering a possible swoop by Manchester United.
Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star writes the Italian giants want to offload the Colombian in order to reduce their wage bill, and Louis van Gaal may seize the opportunity to grab the 28-year-old player.
Malata says LvG is a fan of the midfielder and that Guarin "turned down Zenit St Petersburg in order to seal a switch to the Theatre of Dreams," last summer.
However, no deal was reached and the player stayed in Milan.
Louis van Gaal to Bring Gerard Pique Back to Manchester?
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Tuesday, October 21
Louis van Gaal could be about to pull off one of the shock transfers of the January window, as he attempts to bring Barcelona's Gerard Pique to Old Trafford.
Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star reports the United boss might table an audacious £20 million bid for the Spanish World Cup winner after putting the player "top of his wanted list."
Pique spent four years with the Red Devils before returning to his boyhood club for £5 million, in 2008.
Since that time, Pique has won four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies with the Catalan giants but has since lost his place in the first team under new coach, Luis Enrique.
But Cross highlights that Pique's superstar wife Shakira would be "reluctant" to move to the north west of England, making a deal tricky to negotiate.
Manchester United to Make Sami Khedira "Huge" Contract Offer
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Monday, October 20
Reports suggest Manchester United plan to gazump their Premier League rivals and make Real Madrid's Sami Khedira an offer he cannot refuse to join the Red Devils.
Bruce Archer of the Daily Star said United could offer the German international a pay rise up to £200,000 a week to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to his signature.
Khedira is out of contract with the Galacticos in the summer and can negotiate a move to a foreign club, in January.
Archer says Louis van Gaal plans to blow Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho "out of the water" with his offer to the 27-year-old midfielder, securing his services for next season.
Respected Agent Says Dani Alves Has Signed for Manchester United
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Monday, October 20
Barcelona right-back Dani Alves looks to be on his way to Old Trafford after respected FIFA agent Francois Gallardo announced the player has signed for Manchester United.
Ben Jefferson of the Express quoted Gallardo speaking to Spanish TV show Neox, saying a pre-contract has been agreed with Louis van Gaal:
"The player will leave Barcelona next season. He has signed a preliminary agreement with Manchester United."
However, Jefferson also quoted Alves' agent Dinorah Santana, who was less conclusive about his client's whereabouts, next season:
"If the club [Barcelona] wanted to renew Alves they would have done it already. I would not do things they way they have. We will leave the suitors until December or January—then we'll decide who to marry.
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United Consider January Move for Matteo Darmian
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Monday, October 20
Manchester United are considering their right-back options for January and could bring in Italian international defender Matteo Darmian.
Dave Kidd of the Mirror wrote Louis van Gaal has been "tracking" the Torino player for some time and the Dutch coach could finally make a bid for the 24-year-old, with a £15 million offer.
Kidd says LvG has "long been impressed" with the two-footed Darmian and could bring the player to Old Trafford to help balance his fragile defence.
Rafael has little competition for his right-sided defensive role at United, and Darmian would be a genuine contender for the Brazilian's starting berth.
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