Manchester United Transfer News: Fredy Guarin Becomes Arturo Vidal Alternative

Should Louis van Gaal be unable to land Arturo Vidal's signature during the January transfer window, he has another Serie A alternative on his radar in the shape of Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin.

That's according to Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star, who claims Guarin came close to sealing an Old Trafford switch over the summer but ultimately remained in Milan:

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Sources in Italy claim that Inter are keen to get rid of the former Porto star in order to reduce their massive wage bill. The news of the Inter's desire to sell Guarin will be a huge boost to Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal is reportedly a huge admirer of Guarin, who joined Inter in 2012.

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The report adds that Zenit St. Petersburg came in for the Colombian international over the summer, too, but Guarin rejected their advances as he pursued a move to the English outfit instead.

Seven games into the Italian campaign, the Nerazzurri find themselves in a disappointing 11th place but have been mighty in attack, with WhoScored.com pointing toward Guarin as their primary playmaker:

Fellow South American Vidal is known to have long been on United's listed of wanted stars, but United's reported attempts to agree a deal with Juventus have been unsuccessful.

Earlier this month, Vidal told Tuttosport (h/t Daily Mail's Robin Cottle) of his plans to remain 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."

The Chilean was recently in the tabloids after arriving late to training following a night out but, per Gianluca Di Marzio, published a statement on his Twitter account, which read:

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Regarding the information given by the media in the last few days, I would like to say a few things. My relationship with Juventus is very good. My teammates, the technical staff, and the directors, they all believe in me and viceversa.

Juventus didn’t fine me, this information is wrong and misinterpreted. My knee is ok, with some training I’ll get back on shape, because I need to fully recover after the surgery. I couldn’t train with the team at the beginning of the season. I am committed to my club and to the national team.

I hope to win something this season with both of them, I hope these words will be correctly reported. People who lie will keep doing that and I can prevent them from doing it. Big hugs, Arturo.

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Those comments appear to indicate Vidal's focus is on Juventus, at least for the rest of the campaign. With Guarin alleged to be available for transfer, United may well view the Inter man as the more appetising candidate when the January window opens.

That being said, Guarin may be seen as another example of the Red Devils settling when they need to be bringing in elite stars. 

Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images

Last season, Guarin was impressive in crafting 44 chances over a period of 32 Serie A appearances, per Squawka, but a 71 percent passing accuracy and 34 percent tackling success rate isn't indicative of an elite character. At least not of the sort United need right now.

Daley Blind and Ander Herrera have been brought in to be new pass masters under Van Gaal, but what's really needed is a general who can make an impact on the opposition, as well as his own side.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

United may be pleased to hear that Guarin is available, but that alone isn't reason to spend on his signature, even if it is for a lesser fee than Vidal would cost.

Van Gaal is likely to continue investing in his squad when the transfer window re-opens, but central midfield is one area where time must be taken in finding exactly the right person for the job.