Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 29

Christmas Day has come and gone, but more presents could soon be delivered to Manchester United fans in the weeks to come.

The January transfer window is about to open, and with the Red Devils established in the top four, Louis van Gaal will be looking to consolidate his position with fresh faces.

Despite their unbeaten run, there are still inconsistencies in the first team and room for improvement.

Here, we look at the latest gossip and rumours surrounding the Old Trafford behemoth and review which players could soon be joining the Dutchman's revolution.

Last updated: Friday, January 2.

Manchester Neighbours Both Interested in Pepe

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Friday, January 2

Manchester United and Manchester City are both watching Pepe's situation at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos ready to offer the defender a new deal to stay in the Spanish capital.

Hannah Duncan of the Metro says reports in Spain believe the Galacticos will try and hold onto their primary centre-back—who only has 18 months of his current deal remaining—as United and City look to bolster their defences with top class talent.

Duncan reports Marca say Carlo Ancelotti is now keen to keep Pepe after his strong start to the current season with the La Decima Champions League winners. 

The Spanish super-club have changed their recent position on the 31-year-old player and are "said to be considering a new contract despite previous suggestions they could be willing to listen to offers," per Duncan.

United Switch Attention from Gareth Bale to Paul Pogba

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Thursday, January 1

Reports from Italy suggest Manchester United have switched their attentions away from Gareth Bale—after the player went public to dismiss rumours linking him to the Red Devils—and now want their former midfielder, Paul Pogba.

Charles Perrin of the Express says Louis van Gaal has put the French ace "top of his wish list," with United preparing a £77 million bid at the end of the season.

The Juventus player has turned into a bona fide world class talent since leaving Old Trafford for Turin, and LvG's ambition to purchase a central player could drive a deal.

Bale recently announced his intention to stay at Real Madrid, per David Wright of the Express, saying: 

"Manchester United? I'm happy in Madrid. I love the city, the weather and the club. I'm eager to win more silverware here."

Van Gaal to Use Chicharito as Bait to Capture Adil Rami from AC Milan

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

Wednesday, December 31

Manchester United will use want-away striker Javier Hernandez as part of an exchange deal to grab experienced AC Milan defender, Adil Rami.

Anthony Chapman of the Express writes Louis van Gaal sees Chicharito as surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and will move for the French international centre-back to strengthen his squad—with the Mexican striker heading to the San Siro.

Milan coach Filipe Inzaghi is said to want Hernandez to "lead the line [for Milan] for the next campaign," making a swap deal a possibility, per Chapman.

Chapman also states Rami has been a target for Arsenal in recent times—if the player becomes available, there is every chance Arsene Wenger could reignite his interest in the 29-year-old. 

United to Offer Huge Wage Deal to Sergio Ramos

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Tuesday, December 30

Manchester United are set to gazump Arsenal and Chelsea's attempts to sign Real Madrid's world class centre-back Sergio Ramos with a huge post-tax wage offer to the player.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star writes Louis van Gaal has made Ramos one of his primary targets and will soon offer the defender a tempting deal to come to Old Trafford.

Harris says reports proclaim United will offer Ramos £105,000-a-week after tax, as the player stalls on signing a new deal with Los Blancos.

Ramos' agent has also spoken with Arsenal in recent times according to AS journalist Manuel Esteban Manolet—who told radio show La Goleada, per Harris: "Wenger has called Rene Ramos, the agent and brother of Sergio Ramos."

Manchester United to Make Bid for £25 Million Seamus Coleman

Jon Super/Associated Press

Monday, December 29

Manchester United will go head to head with Premier League leaders Chelsea for the services of highly rated Everton right-back Seamus Coleman.

Bruce Archer of the Daily Star says Louis van Gaal believes the Irishman is "perfect" for his primary formations and is "a more reliable defender than Rafael."

Archer writes Jose Mourinho has a strong interest in Coleman, but the competition for the right-back spot at Stamford Bridge is already hot. 

United could hold the trump card in capturing the £25 million-rated full-back, with Everton said to want Adnan Januzaj on loan in Janaury. The teenager could prove a huge bargaining chip at the table in any potential deal, per Archer. 

Transfer-Listed Nemanja Vidic Ready for United Return in January

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Monday, December 29

Louis van Gaal is ready to rescue Nemanja Vidic from his Italian nightmare and bring the former Manchester United captain back to Old Trafford.

Steve Millar of the Daily Star reports Inter Milan have listed the Serbian defender as available for transfer with San Siro boss Roberto Mancini looking to shift the player off his wage bill as soon as possible.

Millar says Vidic has been plagued by inconsistency in the Inter defence since his transfer to Serie A, but Van Gaal sees the centre-back as a short-term solution to his own defensive issues as United push for a Champions League finish.

Vidic is currently on £50,000 weekly wages at Inter, and the Nerazzurri will allow him to leave on a free as soon as the window opens, per Millar.