Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of November 24
Manchester United's stunning victory at Arsenal will have settled Louis van Gaal's nerves somewhat, with his young, makeshift defence keeping Arsene Wenger's team at bay until the fifth minute of stoppage time.
However, it is crystal clear that the United squad is still fractured following David Moyes' tenure, and reinforcements are required.
The January transfer window is now only a few weeks away. While both Ed Woodward and the manager agree that finding the right players at this time of year is difficult, per Stuart Mathieson of The Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils certainly need new recruits to strengthen their options.
So who will find themselves as the next big signing at Old Trafford? Here, we take a look at the candidates and rumours.
—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28—
Radamel Falcao to Be Replaced by Edinson Cavani
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Friday, November 28
Reports from France say Manchester United will move for Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani after deciding against the permanent signing of Radamel Falcao.
David Wright of the Express says the Red Devils will not pay the agreed £43.5 million fee for the Colombian at the end of his one-year loan—and will instead make a £50 million bid to land Cavani.
Cavani has spent much of his time at PSG playing out of position, with Laurent Blanc using the Uruguay striker in a wider attacking role.
Falcao has struggled to make it into the United first-team after being sidelined through injury—and Wright says PSG are willing to land the Monaco player as Cavani's replacement.
United to Use Nani as Bait for William Carvalho
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Thursday, November 27
Portuguese reports have suggested Manchester United will use Nani in a swap deal to lure midfielder William Carvalho to Old Trafford.
Jamie Anderson of the Express writes Louis van Gaal will offer the winger-plus-cash for Carvalho, sweetening the potential transfer for Sporting Lisbon.
The 22-year-old is currently rated at the £24 million mark, and Nani's price would help United meet this valuation with ease—whilst also offloading an individual who does not feature in Van Gaal's plans, per Anderson.
United have extensively scouted Carvalho in the past and were preparing a move for him after the World Cup in Brazil, as reported by David McDonnell of the Mirror in September.
Raphael Varane Admits He Is Unhappy at Real Madrid
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Thursday, November 27
Real Madrid defensive prodigy Raphael Varane has admitted his discontentment in the Spanish capital—alerting Manchester United and Chelsea to his desire for first-team football.
Bruce Archer of the Daily Star quotes the 21-year-old starlet speaking about his role in Carlo Ancelotti's squad, saying he has been given more responsibility for France at international level than he has in the Los Blancos set-up:
"It's different with the national team. I get more minutes and have more responsibility in the team. The aim is to reach the same level of involvement in the club.
"
Varane is rated as one of the best young centre-backs in world football—with Archer reporting Louis van Gaal was "thought to have considered an approach [for Varane] in the summer."
Phil Neville Recommends Palermo Starlet Paulo Dybala
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Wednesday, November 26
Former Manchester United player and coach, Phil Neville, has thrown his weight behind the talent of Palermo striker Paulo Dybala—with the British press proclaiming he is "urging" the Red Devils to look at the Argentine.
Ben Jefferson of the Express writes Neville has lauded the 21-year-old—dubbed the next Sergio Aguero—after seeing him play in Serie A against Genoa:
"Watched a player last night who's going to be a star, Palermo's Argentine Dybala—remember the name!!"
Jefferson says the attacker has gained interest from Arsenal and Southampton, and that Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has sung very high praises of his young player and his potential, to Mediaset:
"Within two years, he's going to be better than Cristiano Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. It would take €40 million (£31 million) to take him away from us. He's the best striker in Serie A.
"
The No. 9 has started the season well, scoring five times in his 12 league games, per WhoScored.com.
But only time will tell if he can meet the lofty heights of Messi and Ronaldo as his career develops.
Ilkay Gundogan Says He Wants Premier League Move
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Tuesday, November 25
Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogen has admitted he wishes to one day try his hand at life in the Premier League—alerting Manchester United to his ambitions.
Charles Perrin of the Express reports the much admired Germany international has spoken of his desire to leave the Bundesliga, confirming Real Madrid recently wanted to take him to the Spanish capital:
"Real Madrid made an offer for me but my club refused it. At the time I had two more seasons on my contract. But also, my injury wrecked everything. I couldn't play for 14 months.
Now I want to look forward and make up for lost time with sporting success. Playing outside Germany is one of my big goals. If one day I leave here, I'd like to play in Spain or for one of the big teams in England.
"
Louis van Gaal will be very interested in Gundogan's words as he looks to purchase one of the planet's elite midfielders for his Red Devils squad.
Is Jan Vertonghen an Alternative for Mats Hummels?
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Monday, November 24
Reports suggest Louis van Gaal could be about to move for the "unsettled" Tottenham player Jan Vertonghen as an alternative to hugely expensive German star Mats Hummels.
Scott Murray of The Guardian says Van Gall could turn to the Belgium international, leaving extra funds to address other parts of his squad.
Meanwhile, Dave Kidd of the Daily Mirror writes United will make their move for the defender in January, saying Vertonghen "has not impressed new Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and his unhappiness is an open secret at White Hart Lane."
Vertonghen has only started seven of Tottenham's Premier League games this season, per Squawka.com, and he is down the pecking order in central defence behind Younes Kaboul and Federico Fazio.
The player recognised his lack of matches recently, saying he hoped to play more in the future, as reported by Laurie Whitwell of the Daily Mail:
"Hopefully one day I can play 60 games a season again, but at the moment, that is not the case. My season has been ups and downs like Tottenham itself. I started the season with an injury after the World Cup. I came into the team in the second or third game and then I got dropped again.
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The player's discontent could pay out dividends for Van Gaal, as he looks to sharpen his defensive options.
United Interested in Hull Starlet Andy Robertson
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Monday, November 24
Manchester United and Arsenal will go head-to-head for the services of highly rated 20-year-old Hull City defender Andy Robertson, with Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express writing that a £12 million battle will ensue for the Scottish international's services.
The player only arrived at the KC Stadium in the summer, signing from Dundee United for £2.85 million.
It now seems Hull boss Steve Bruce is resigned to losing the player after enquiries from the Premier League big boys, per Richard Gibson of the Sunday People via the Mirror:
"There has already been one or two with phone calls asking ‘to keep me informed’. That’s always the first stage. I had it with [Wilson] Palacios when I was at Wigan and then [Antonio] Valencia when he went off to Manchester United. And if this kid keeps performing the way he is then it might become inevitable.
I spoke to Gordon [Strachan] about him in the summer. He threw him in against Nigeria for his first cap. He took to it like a duck to water, and he has done exactly the same when offered the challenge with us.
"
The left-back has only made eight appearances in the top flight for his new club, per Gibson. However, it seems Louis van Gaal and Arsene Wenger both wish to land the player quickly before his value rockets further.
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