Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of November 3

Manchester United lost their derby-day match against Manchester City on Sunday but gained many new admirers, as Louis van Gaal's team showed the guts and determination of previous Old Trafford incarnations.

The Sky Blues won the game 1-0 after Chris Smalling hamstrung his side with a very avoidable red card.

United's defence is currently in tatters after the derby match, with Marcos Rojo being stretchered off with a dislocated shoulder, per Sky Sports.

LvG will surely be forced to strengthen once again in January, with a squad that is unable to stay fit on a consistent basis.

Here, we take a look at the latest transfer rumours and gossip surrounding the Manchester giants.

—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7— 

United to Battle for Saido Berahino

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Friday, November 7

Manchester United will fight it out with Liverpool and Tottenham for the signature of West Brom's hotshot youngster, Saido Berahino.

Ben Jefferson of the Express reports the Red Devils will move for the new England international after his impressive performances in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old earned his first call up into Roy Hodgson's Three Lions squad this week after scoring 7 goals in 10 league games, per Squawka.

Jefferson also quotes West Brom manager Alan Irvine speaking about the interest surrounding his striker:

"

I would be absolutely astonished if anyone could sign Saido from us for £15m. You look at some of the fees going around in the transfer market that's just been, everybody seems to start at £7m.

Ross McCormack went for £11m Championship to Championship (Leeds to Fulham). What the right figure is I have absolutely no idea and I wouldn't make the decision as far as that was concerned.

But £15m doesn't sound like a lot of money for a talented, young, English player with great potential who is playing really, really well in the Premier League at the moment and who is scoring goals. It would have to be higher than that.

"

Chelsea and Everton are also said to monitoring the attacker, per Jefferson.

Christoph Kramer Prefers Napoli over United

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Thursday, November 6

It seems that highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen player Christoph Kramer will not be arriving at Old Trafford should he leave the Bundesliga.

Jamie Anderson of the Express reports the 23-year-old appears to prefer a move to Serie A to join Napoli, rather than arrive in the Premier League.

Anderson quotes Kramer's agent Emanuele Marchetti speaking about a possible move for his client:

"For the moment he is very happy and settled in Germany. If things changed, Napoli would be one of the first clubs to be informed."

Louis van Gaal has been tracking the impressive youngster and was thought to be preparing a £12 million bid for him in January, per Anderson.

United to Bid £23.5 Million for Enzo Perez

Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press

Tuesday, November 4

Manchester United plan to activate Benfica midfielder Enzo Perez's release clause in January, thought to be £23.5 million.

Anthony Chapman of the Express reports the 28-year-old had the release clause inserted in his most recent deal with the Portuguese giants, allowing United to now make their move.

Chapman writes the release clause has now been made public after Valencia enquired about purchasing the player.

Chapman also says that Louis van Gaal plans to play the Argentina World Cup star "on the right-side of his diamond formation," and hopes the presence of Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo tempts the versatile player to join them at Old Trafford.

Kevin Strootman Demands January Move to Manchester United

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Monday, November 3

It is the news that every Manchester United fan wants to hear: Kevin Strootman is desperate to come to Old Trafford and has told Roma he wishes to leave in January, according to new reports.

Bruce Archer of the Express writes the Dutch talisman wants to be reunited with Louis van Gaal and lead his revolution in the rebuilding of the north-west super club.

Archer says Strootman is LvG's top target, with the player "set to ask the Italian club to agree terms for his sale."

Strootman has recently returned to training after a serious knee injury and the temptation to join Van Gaal, Daley Blind and Robin van Persie at United will be very alluring for the midfielder.

United in £51 Million Swoop for Schalke Duo Julian Draxler and Benedikt Howedes

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Monday, November 3

Louis van Gaal could be set to solve his defensive and midfield issues in one clinical swoop, with reports saying Manchester United will move for Schalke's highly-rated pair of Julian Draxler and Benedikt Howedes.

Metro, per a report from Fichajes.net, says the Red Devils will put together a staggering £51 million offer for the two players and will make their move in January.

The newspaper reports that Draxler is currently valued at £37 million, with Howedes coming in at £14 million.

Both players were part of Germany's recently successful World Cup winning squad. Draxler is considered one of the hottest talents in the Bundesliga, with the physically imposing Howedes possessing the versatility to play at either centre-back or full-back. 

The duo would certainly solve many of United's current issues.