Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of October 27
The DNA of Manchester United appears to be fighting its way back to the surface, as the Red Devils valiantly battled back against a superior Chelsea side on Sunday.
United drew 1-1 with the Blues, a 94th-minute strike from Robin van Persie showing the world that the heart of the club still beats strong during the team's most difficult of transitions.
Louis van Gaal's side did more than just compete with Chelsea and the signs look positive for the months to come.
Who will LvG bring in next to strengthen the core of his starting 11?
Here, we take a look at the latest names and gossip linked to Old Trafford:
—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31—
Julian Draxler to Replace Juan Mata?
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Friday, October 31
Manchester United are set to steal Julian Draxler from under the noses of Arsenal, according to newspaper reports.
Bruce Archer of the Daily Star says the exciting German prospect is bound for a move to Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his options.
The 21-year-old has the versatility to play through the middle or in the wide attacking positions, throwing Juan Mata's United future into doubt.
Draxler has been a long-term target of the Gunners but with Alexis Sanchez's acquisition from Barcelona, no deal for the Schalke midfielder was reached last summer, per Archer.
Louis Van Gaal to Pursue Georginio Wijnaldum?
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Thursday, October 30
Manchester United could soon ignite their interest in Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum, after the player admitted he is prepared to leave PSV Eindhoven.
Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star quotes the talented midfielder speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, confirming he is willing to further his career elsewhere:
"Next summer would be a great time to take the next step. PSV also know that I am keen to play abroad, I am the age for it. Although I like it here, I do not want to become too old to go abroad, because I want to play there for a few years.
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However, Wijnaldum is not inclined to leave his club in January, with the 23-year-old saying: "First I want to be champion with PSV, and I will fight for it," per Malata.
United and Arsenal Compete for Aymeric Laporte
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Wednesday, October 29
Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal will battle it out for the signature of Athletic Bilbao's rising star Aymeric Laporte, in January or next summer.
Jamie Anderson of the Express reports Arsenal and Manchester United will both trigger the defender's release clause, thought to be £32 million.
And Anderson says Ander Herrera could be influential in any deal and help the 20-year-old choose United over the Gunners.
The young French player already has 58 league appearances under his belt since 2012, per WhoScored.com, and is rated as one of La Liga's brightest defensive talents.
Ryan Giggs Scouts Abdul Majeed Waris.
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Tuesday, October 28
Ghana World Cup striker Abdul Majeed Waris is on Manchester United's radar, with the player being personally scouted by Ryan Giggs.
David Anderson of the Mirror reports the Red Devils assistant manager flew out to Turkey to watch the 23-year-old play for Trabzonspor, in the Europa League.
Waris arrived in Turkish football this summer after signing from Spartak Moscow. Last season, he featured on-loan for French club Valenciennes, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances for the team, per Anderson.
Anderson also says Waris has previously lived in the UK—having worked as a student in the country and representing Forest Green Rovers.
Manchester United Plan Ezequiel Garay Swoop
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Monday, October 27
Manchester United are planning to add to their defensive options in January, with reports suggesting the club will move for Zenit St. Petersburg's Ezequiel Garay.
Martin Lipton and David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror say Louis van Gaal has sent a scouting team to run the rule over the Argentina international with a view to making a move in the upcoming transfer window.
The report states United feel they can prise the player away from the Russian club despite him only joining them this past summer from Benfica for £12 million.
Garay would add the physicality that LvG craves in his back line, and with Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo already at Old Trafford, the player might be tempted to join his countrymen.
Juan Cuadrado New Buyout Clause Offers United Hope
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Monday, October 27
Despite Juan Cuadrado signing a new contract with Serie A club Fiorentina, his agent has confirmed that a buyout clause has been inserted into his deal—offering a possible escape to Manchester United if they decide to pursue the player.
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reports the Colombian international's agent, Alessandro Lucci, has spoken about the possibility of a future buyout: "Juan has signed a new contract with Fiorentina, we reached an agreement some time ago. It is an agreement until 2019. I can confirm that there is a kind of buy-out clause."
United were heavily linked with Cuadrado during the World Cup in Brazil, where the 26-year-old proved himself to be one of the most exciting wide players in the game.
Fredy Guarin In, Marouane Fellaini Out?
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Monday, October 27
Fredy Guarin could be about to join Manchester United in January, with Marouane Fellaini being sacrificed from Louis van Gaal's squad as a result.
The Metro write that LvG has been given permission to continue his big spending in the next window, with Inter Milan's Guarin replacing Fellaini at Old Trafford.
The newspaper says reports in Spain claim that Fellaini has already been told he can leave the Red Devils: "United officials have made it clear to the Belgian he can find a new team and work is already underway to make sure he moves on."
However, Fellaini shone in the recent Premier League match against Chelsea, largely overshadowing Cesc Fabregas during the game. If his form continues in the same vein, it would be unlikely to see him leave in the winter months.
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