Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 1

Manchester United won three games back-to-back for the first time this season after dismantling Hull City at Old Trafford.

Louis van Gaal's side put in their strongest league performance yet under their Dutch coach, scoring three times to beat the Tigers on Saturday.

United looked more assured in their overall play, but there is still plenty of room for improvement in the depth of the squad.

Here, we take a look at the players linked with potential moves to the Red Devils and the gossip surrounding transfers.

—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5— 

United to Make Bid to Lure Mario Gotze?

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Friday, December 5

Reports suggest Manchester United will make a sensational bid to sign German World Cup hero, Mario Gotze—from Bayern Munich.

Colin Harvey of the Daily Star writes the Old Trafford giants could put together a £50 million bid for the player, but Gotze would only consider the move if the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League.

Harvey says Gotze is part of a "long-list of players" that Louis van Gaal will target in the near future, with the Glazer family handing over another £200 million for new talent.

It is said that United desire to have two top players for every position on the pitch and will continue their record spending levels next summer, per Harvey.

Arturo Vidal Speaks out About Transfer Speculation

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Wednesday, December 3

Chile superstar Arturo Vidal has once again addressed questions about his future after rumours once again linked the player with a move to Manchester United.

Ben Jefferson of the Express quotes the world-class Juventus midfielder speaking to Al Aire Libre about the possibilities of a move away from Turin but says he is happy to continue with his club:

"

I feel content and happy here. It's going to be my fourth year, I feel at home. Good things have happened in this period and we are getting set to play at our best, I'm happy about the result.

There are always rumours, but I'm feeling relaxed. I only think about Juventus, I'm at 100 per cent right now, I'm training at the utmost to become one of the best.

"

Concerns were raised over the summer about the player's health after a serious knee injury but Vidal confirmed the issue has nearly been resolved—describing his current fitness as "almost perfect."

"

The doctor told me that this trouble was going to persist for another two or three months and I worked on it. I played with the pain, but now I don't feel it anymore, I am improving every day and now I feel almost perfect.

"

With the winter transfer window yet to re-open it is a sure bet that Vidal will continue to be linked with a move to the Red Devils for the foreseeable future.

United to Activate Diego Godin Release Clause?

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Tuesday, December 2

Louis van Gaal is keen to sign a centre-back in the next few weeks, with Diego Godin edging towards the top of his wish list.

Joe Strange of the Mail Online writes the Red Devils may choose to activate the Atletico Madrid defender's release clause in January—reported to be £28 million.

Godin has been hugely successful at the heart of the La Liga champions' back-four, being the defensive rock that Diego Simeone has built his team around.

Strange says LvG is currently reviewing his targets, with United executive Ed Woodward hunting through his manager's preferred January transfer options. 

Karim Benzema an Alternative to Radamel Falcao?

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Monday, December 1

Manchester United have been alerted to the availability of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, as reported by Spanish sources.

Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express writes Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti is "prepared to listen to offers" for the French striker, with a fee of £40 million thought to be the player's price.

Anderson says Madrid are planning to sell a number of stars in the next transfer window—and United could view a move for Benzema as an alternative to signing Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal.

Monaco are believed to be pushing United to make a decision about the Colombian superstar, and they are keen to find a suitor quickly if Louis van Gaal passes on his signature, per Anderson. 

Javier Hernandez to Become Free Agent After Real Madrid Turn Him Down

David Ramos/Getty Images

Monday, December 1

Manchester United's on-loan striker Javier Hernandez looks likely to become one of the hottest free agents on the planet after Real Madrid refused to make his move to the Spanish capital permanent. 

Anderson writes in the Express that the Galacticos are set to pass on Chicharito, and with the player's United deal ready to expire in the summer, he will leave the Old Trafford giants for no fee.

The Mexican forward signed for the Red Devils in 2010 for a fee of £6 million, per Anderson, but he failed to establish himself as the team's primary striker during his stay.

Anderson confirms that a host of Premier League clubs will move for the natural born goalscorer—with Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham all lining up to capture his services.