Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of November 17
Daley Blind added to Manchester United's escalating injury woes on Sunday, with the midfielder sustaining a knee injury playing for the Netherlands.
The Dutchman seems destined to be out until after Christmas, per Adam Shergold of the Daily Mail, leaving the Red Devils desperately short in defensive positions.
Louis van Gaal has seen a continuous flow of knocks to his players during his first months in charge, and he will surely try to address this with new signings in January.
Here, we take a look at the latest players linked with moves to Old Trafford, as well as the individuals who could soon be departing.
—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21—
Kevin Strootman and Louis van Gaal Agree a Deal?
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Friday, November 21
The gossip surrounding Kevin Strootman's possible move to Manchester United has intensified once again with claims by a Dutch journalist the player has "shaken hands" with Louis van Gaal and agreed to move to Old Trafford.
Hugo Borst—who recently wrote a book about Van Gaal—revealed to TalkSport he has knowledge that Strootman met with the United boss at the end of last season and declared he would join the coach in Manchester:
"In the spring of 2014 there was a match between PSV and Feyenoord. Robin van Persie was in the stands, along with Louis van Gaal. On the other side was Kevin Strootman. The pair chatted, this was when people knew Van Gaal was going to Manchester United.
Van Gaal asked Strootman whether he was interested in playing for Manchester United, and he said he was very willing. They have shaken hands on the deal. It won’t be in January but it will be next summer. He is an outstanding player.
"
In his book about LvG, Borst also quotes the player speaking in glowing terms about his former Netherlands manager, per David Lynch of The Manchester Evening News.
The 24-year-old speaks of his dedication to Van Gaal, making a reunion between the pair even more likely:
"With him looking on, whether it’s during a training session or in a packed stadium, it’s not a matter of me wanting the ball. No, I’ve got to have it. It is mine. It’s like an obligation I have to Van Gaal.
"
Only time will tell if Strootman makes it to Old Trafford but popular opinion says he will become a Manchester United player in the near future.
Lionel Messi's Father Reveals His Son Could One Day Leave Barcelona
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Thursday, November 20
It would be the most sensational transfer of all-time, but Lionel Messi's father has admitted his son could one day depart from Barcelona, putting a host of Premier League clubs on standby—including Manchester United.
Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star quotes the Argentina captain's father, who is also his agent, speaking about his son's future:
"The plan is to stay here in Barcelona, but of course people like to read between lines and exaggerate. Leo is happy, but it’s clear that if the club receives an offers tomorrow and says ”We want to sell you”, well then we’d have to study it.
"
Despite the 27-year-old seeming he will remain at Barca for his whole career, the comments do throw question marks up into the air. How much money would it take for the Camp Nou club to accept a bid?
With the oil rich clubs of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain always in the market for marquee talent, the capture of Messi would have to go down as the most unprecedented in football history.
But could Manchester United fit him into their side? Ed Woodward probably could buy a whole new defence for the price of one Argentine magician.
United Hold Surprise Meetings with Fiorentina for Juan Cuadrado
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Wednesday November 19
Reports suggest Manchester United have held fresh talks with Serie A team Fiorentina to negotiate a transfer for Juan Cuadrado—who is now thought to be unhappy at his club.
Ben Jefferson of the Express writes Louis van Gaal could move quickly for the wide player with a £35 million offer in January.
Jefferson explains Cuadrado only recently signed a new deal with La Viola but has since had "a change of heart," and now wishes to move on.
Cuadrado's relationship with Fiorentina boss, Vicenzo Montello, has recently become strained and this fact could fuel the winger's desire to exit the club, per Jefferson.
United Send Top Scout to Watch the "New Yaya Toure"
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Tuesday, November 18
Manchester United are closely monitoring Benfica midfielder Anderson Talisca—dubbed by many as the "new Yaya Toure."
Steve Bates and Neil Moxley of the Sunday People, via the Mirror, write Louis van Gaal has sent his top European scout to Portugal to run the rule over Talisca, who is tipped to be a major star in the near future.
The 20-year-old Brazilian is in sensational form for his club this season, scoring nine times in 13 domestic and Champions League matches, per WhoScored.com.
Newton Mota, an official from Talsica's former club Bahia, has compared the player to Rivaldo, per Bates and Moxley:
"Some people call him "Yaya Talisca." His technique is very accurate but I liken him more to Rivaldo, who was also left-footed, with a long stride and capable of scoring goals from distance.
"
Bates and Moxley say Benfica are desperate to sign the youngster to a new long-term deal with a £35 million release clause in order to protect their interests.
Mats Hummels Will Cost £47 Million
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Monday, November 17
You would expect the hottest defender on the planet to come with a huge pricetag, but it appears Borussia Dortmund have slapped a massive £47 million fee on the head of Mats Hummels.
With Louis van Gaal looking to solve the problems of his battered and bruised defensive unit, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reports the Manchester United target will not come cheap.
Dortmund have made a shocking start to their Bundesliga campaign, leading Hummels to air his frustrations to the club's website, per the MEN's Simon Bajkowski:
"We need more stability in defence. We have already conceded nine goals in five matches which is not just a poor record, it is a very poor record. We need to defend better as a team, and all 11 players have to play their part.
If you concede two goals in each game, as has already happened four times this season, it's very hard to win.
"
The astronomical valuation might scare United off signing the World Cup winner. On the other hand, it could just trigger yet another high-profile exit from Dortmund—if LvG wants the player at all costs.
Ashley Young to Join David Moyes in Spain?
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Monday, November 17
Out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young could be on his way to Real Sociedad to join up with former boss David Moyes.
Tom Hopkinson of the Sunday People, via the Daily Mirror, writes the England winger will be allowed to leave Old Trafford if he can find himself a new club in January.
Moyes has recently taken over the famous Spanish team, and Hopkinson says the former United and Everton manager is "an admirer" of Young.
Hopkinson adds that Moyes "will ask them [Sociedad] to consider a bid for Young," who is under contract at United until 2016.
Louis van Gaal Refuses to Sell Chris Smalling
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Monday, November 17
Despite his recent horror show in the Manchester derby, Chris Smalling will not be allowed to leave the Red Devils in the January transfer window.
Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star says Arsenal are preparing a £10 million bid for the defender, but Louis van Gaal will block any attempt by the Gunners to purchase the player.
United are currently in the middle of a worrying injury crisis, and LvG will not further weaken his options by allowing Smalling to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Hetherington writes Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of Smalling—dating back to his days with Fulham—and made an enquiry about the 24-year-old's availability in the previous transfer window.
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