Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 8

The January transfer window is now only three short weeks away from opening, but it seems that Louis van Gaal is resistant to talking about who he might sign.

The Manchester United manager recently described the transfer speculation surrounding his team as "disgusting" and "disrespectful," per BBC Sport, instead wishing to concentrate on those who are already at his disposal.

In any case, considering the club's incredible injury crisis and lightweight defence, the Red Devils certainly need reinforcements.

Here, we review the gossip surrounding United, and players who could soon be stepping out for Van Gaal at Old Trafford:

—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12— 

Borussia Dortmund Preparing for Life After Marco Reus

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Friday, December 12

Italian sources claim Borussia Dortmund are lining up a replacement for Marco Reus—to the interest of Manchester United and company.

Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star writes Jurgen Klopp is "preparing a bid" for AC Milan attacker, Stephan El Shaarawy—in the expectation Reus will leave the struggling Bundesliga giants.

Malata says Klopp is a "huge admirer" of El Shaarawy, and that multiple Italian publications are reporting Dortmund's intentions to purchase the player.

El Shaarawy would be a natural successor to Reus—who has attracted the attentions of the biggest teams in world football, including the Red Devils.

Nemanja Vidic on Brink of United Return

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Thursday, December 11

In what will be one of the surprise moves of the season, reports suggest Nemanja Vidic will soon be rejoining Manchester United from Inter Milan.

Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star says Louis van Gaal is "eager" to bring the 33-year-old back to Old Trafford—with the player's time in Italy ending in disappointment.

And fresh reports now say United have agreed a deal with the San Siro giants to purchase back their former captain, per Malata.

Malata also states that LvG does not see Vidic as the answer to his defensive issues, but as vital back-up—as the Red Devils attempt to land Champions League qualification. 

Zinedine Zidane Says Real Madrid Want Guillermo Varela

Paul Thomas/Getty Images

Wednesday, December 10

Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has hinted that Real Madrid could make a move for Manchester United outcast, Guillermo Varela—who is on loan with Los Blancos' Castilla team.

Jack Wilson of the Daily Star says Zidane has spoken about Varela in glowing terms and sees the Uruguayan having a great career with the Galacticos:

"

I knew there was a Uruguayan fullback at Manchester United. I asked to see him and loved him. Luckily we could add him to Real Madrid, where I see a huge future.

I'm delighted with Guillermo Varela. He is very serious and professional. He also has a lot of quality and I have no doubts he will make it to the top.

"

The 21-year-old has failed to settle in England after becoming David Moyes' first signing for the club.

United to Chase €40 Million Kevin Strootman in January

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Tuesday, December 9

Kevin Strootman is back in action for Roma after serious injury—and Italian sources claim Manchester United will make their move for the player in the upcoming transfer window.

Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror says Italian football website Calciomercato believe Louis van Gaal will approach the Serie A club in the next few weeks in an bid to land Strootman.

Any deal could cost United up to €40 million, per Flanagan, as Roma attempt to hold on to the player for the duration of the current campaign.

David Moyes originally tried to bring Strootman to Old Trafford after he took control of the club in 2013, per Adam Crafton of the Mail Online, but the Scot was unable to get the deal done, with the midfielder leaving the Netherlands for the Italian capital city.

United to Make January Move for Nathaniel Clyne?

Jon Super/Associated Press

Monday. December 8

Southampton are moving fast to secure the talents of right-back Nathaniel Clyne, with Manchester United thought to be keen on purchasing the player.

The Press Association via The Observer say the 23-year-old, who has just 18 months remaining on his current contract, is in talks to sign a new deal with the Saints.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman is unfazed by the rumours surrounding Clyne and United, saying "it is no issue," per The Press Association: "If I have to be worried about those kind of rumours, then I will be worried every day and I don’t like that. I like my life and I like to be positive. It’s no issue."

The right-back position is one of the most fragile at United, with Rafael suffering continuous injuries, forcing winger Antonio Valencia back into the defence.

Clyne recently made his international debut for England and had previously discussed a move to Old Trafford in 2012, as reported by The Manchester Evening News at the time.

Victor Valdes Wants to Join Red Devils

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Monday, December 8

As he continues to train with the Red Devils at Carrington, former Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes is "urging" Manchester United to sign him.

Vaishali Bhardwaj of the Metro writes that Marca believe the former Camp Nou No. 1 wants Louis van Gaal to give him a deal so he can join the Manchester giants on a permanent basis.

Valdes suffered a serious knee injury last term and required major surgery in March, scuppering a potential move to Monaco, per Bhardwaj.

The player worked under Van Gaal during his time at Barcelona, where he spent 12 years in goal, but surely any rewarding of a contract would only see Valdes becoming David de Gea's deputy for the rest of the campaign.

For a player of Valdes' pedigree, this seems unlikely, as he returns to first-team calibre fitness.