Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Angel Di Maria, Gareth Bale Rumours

Angel Di Maria's future is set to once again hit the headlines after it was confirmed Paris Saint-Germain will be able to spend big during the summer.

The French champions appeared on the brink of capturing Di Maria before financial restrictions saw him move to Manchester United. He was linked with a sudden move to PSG after posting an excellent start to life at Old Trafford, but he has fallen off the radar somewhat since sustaining niggling injuries throughout November.

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC highlights why PSG can be considered major transfer-market players again:

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Di Maria previously admitted money problems halted his move to France. He spoke in an interview with Telefoot (h/t Rory Keane of the MailOnline):

"

PSG, I think they had a money problem and they couldn’t buy players. This is the main reason I didn’t go there. Playing in the French league would please a lot of players.

[...] It could have been a good experience for me to go to Paris. I know I’m still young, perhaps I’ll go to PSG one day. I don’t know how it will all end.

"

The Argentinian has posted three goals and six assists in 11 appearances for United, per WhoScored.com. Louis van Gaal's side have won three consecutive matches since he picked up an injury against Hull, but the side's explosive pace is missing.

This was evident during the 2-1 victory over Southampton, a match in which United were lucky to escape with three points. The counter-attacking threat—that which Di Maria led so devastatingly against Arsenal—was non-existent. Neither Wayne Rooney nor Robin van Persie possess the acceleration to drive United forward when the ball breaks loose, meaning Di Maria's instant speed is somewhat unique at the club.

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He would certainly fit into Laurent Blanc's 4-3-3 formation at PSG, although it's debateable where. Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura currently provide a combination of physicality and electric pace from wide areas, meaning there's a possibility Di Maria would slot into the central midfield trio. He has posted his best performances for United in this deeper role.

Football writer Sam Pilger highlights an exciting prospect for United fans:

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Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star) outlines one potential replacement in Gareth Bale.

However, while United's preparation for a rumoured £90 million bid has always seemed unlikely, the suggestion that Eden Hazard is about to ink a new £200,000 per week deal at Chelsea—reported by Matt Law of The Telegraph—makes things even more difficult. 

As reported by le10sport (h/t ESPN FC), Real Madrid were said to be considering the sale of Bale to fund a move for Hazard. Law believes the Belgian "is poised" to extend his Stamford Bridge stay, making this potential string of business impossible.

Van Gaal is unlikely to be considering too many attacking additions, as football pundit Andy Brassell told B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

While the long-term futures of Di Maria, Bale and Hazard seem to be tied with their current clubs, this is the type of situation which could be heavily influenced by one moving.

United fans will be hoping Di Maria can replicate his early Red Devils form when he returns to first-team duties. He has the quality to be United's most important player in the vital moments, despite a loss of form prior to his recent spell on the sidelines.

As we saw during his time at the Bernabeu, Di Maria is an adaptable, incisive star who has the potential to be the heartbeat of the side. United would be unwise to cash in so soon, even if an alternative star became available.