Manchester United Transfer News: Rumours Tracker for Week of Jan. 26
Last updated: Saturday, Jan. 31
Manchester United laboured to a 0-0 draw with Cambridge United on Jan. 23, an FA Cup tie which underlined a plethora of problems with Louis van Gaal and his squad.
The Dutchman has his side playing slow, cautious football. More worryingly, it doesn't seem to matter whether he deploys 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, United have become predictable up top and laden with mistakes at the back.
Cambridge were excellent value for their draw at the Abbey Stadium, a result which turned out to be positive for the Red Devils after Manchester City and Chelsea were dumped out of the tournament with home losses to Middlesbrough and Bradford respectively.
Van Gaal is now rumoured to be eyeing a number of fixes to his mounting problems.
The January transfer deadline is looming large for the Red Devils, who cannot contemplate another year outside the Champions League.
As the Feb. 2 deadline approaches, we document the latest on possible additions to the squad.
Adnan Januzaj Tipped for Deadline-Day Loan Move
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Sunday, Feb. 1
Adnan Januzaj is set to be the subject of a loan offer from Everton in the final knockings of the January transfer window, according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News.
The youngster has struggled for minutes under the tutelage of Louis van Gaal, and according to the aforementioned piece, he could get a loan move in January if he pushes for it.
The piece also suggests that the Toffees are keen on signing the Belgian on a permanent deal in the summer if they can’t strike a mid-season loan. Robson elaborates on the player’s situation:
"It is understood the deal will now hinge on Januzaj’s own desire to leave Old Trafford or whether he believes he can force his way into Van Gaal's plans.
He started only his fifth Premier League game of the season against Leicester on Saturday - showing glimpses of the quality that made him one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe last term.
But he faces a battle for regular first team football with Angel di Maria and Juan Mata ahead of him in the pecking order at United.
"
A loan move could be ideal for the player. Januzaj is undeniably talented and someone who has the class to go to the very top of the game.
His development has been shunted this season, but some regular action in an Everton team that play an expansive brand of football could be exactly what he needs to spark back into life.
£11.2 Million Aleksander Dragovic Bid on Table, Anderson to Leave Old Trafford
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Sunday, Feb. 1
The Old Trafford doors have stayed firmly shut throughout the winter transfer window so far, but with time still very much on Manchester United’s side, they could well welcome a fresh face or two before deadline day on Monday.
Landing a centre-back to sure up the defensive line is the order of the day for the Red Devils, with manager Louis van Gaal failing to find the right combination for a solid foundation in his side just yet.
An endless list of players have been linked to United over the last month, and Dinamo Kiev’s Aleksander Dragovic is the latest man to be rumoured with a big-money move.
Jamie Sanderson of Metro writes that the Red Devils are ready to put an £11.2 million bid on the table to secure the defender’s services, per Tutto Mercato Web, which will likely prove enough.
Dragovic is also linked with a switch to Serie A, with Roma and Inter Milan both rumoured to be sniffing around, but Van Gaal will be hoping that the lure of the red shirt is enough to see the 23-year-old choose United.
Elsewhere, it looks like the end of the road for Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who is set to return to his homeland with Internacional on Monday according to Simon Jones of MailOnline.
The 26-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in 2007 and soon established himself as a first-team regular under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, in recent seasons, many fans believe Anderson has been outstaying his welcome.
The Brazilian last featured for United back in August in a brief cameo appearance against Burnley, and leaving for pastures new will hardly impact the club—it’s just another name scrapped from the wage bill.
Jones writes that Anderson will fetch £25,000 per week in Porto Alegre, and he’ll be unveiled by the club on Tuesday.
One man not heading out of the exit door this window is Darren Fletcher, though, whose proposed move to West Ham United broke down on Saturday, per BBC Sport.
The Scot has only played a handful of games this season under Van Gaal and was deemed surplus to the Dutchman’s requirements, but West Ham’s desire to take the 31-year-old on loan rather than in a permanent deal didn’t sit right with the United boss:
“That was not the agreement. He is my third captain so it is not a problem for me. Manchester United just want to help him play more. For him now that is a big pity."
Fletcher’s career has been plagued by illness, and with chances few and far between at Old Trafford, moving on could be his best bet.
More links with the midfielder are expected before the window slams shut.
Van Gaal Admits David De Gea Could Still Move to Real Madrid
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Saturday, Jan. 31
Van Gaal knows the threat of Real Madrid signing star goalkeeper David de Gea isn't going away any time soon. The 24-year-old stopper has just 18 months left on his contract and the 10-time European Cup winners continue to circle.
Considering De Gea rose to prominence in the Spanish capital, as a member of Atletico Madrid, Van Gaal knows a return is always a possibility. He confirmed that negotiations over a new deal are still ongoing, but that ultimately, the decision will rest with the player, per Manchester Evening News reporter Stuart Mathieson:
"I think that is also a question between the player and the board of Manchester United.
Everything is possible in the world of football. We want to keep him.
"
Mark Ogden of The Telegraph recently suggested Los Blancos would wait for up to a year in order to offer De Gea a free transfer once his current contract expires.
United are attempting to ward off that interest by quickly wrapping a bumper new deal. To that end, the Red Devils will offer De Gea up to £140,000 per week, according to Daily Mirror reporter David McDonnell.
Given De Gea's importance to the current United squad, such a lavish deal is probably worth it in the long term. Of course, much will depend on Van Gaal's team returning to the Premier League's top four and earning qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.
Don't be surprised to see De Gea continue stalling until that's assured.
Aleksandar Dragovic Close to Inter Milan Switch
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Saturday, Jan. 31
Van Gaal's bid to shore up an inconsistent defence appears to be running into trouble. Proposed target Aleksandar Dragovic is reportedly set to snub Premier League interest in favour of a switch to Inter Milan.
That's according to Daily Star reporter Alex Harris. He's suggested Dragovic remains on the radar for United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. But the player's agent is currently negotiating a deal to send his client to Serie A.
Dragovic could provide immediate help to what has often been a chaotic back line this season. The 23-year-old Austrian international is known as a calming presence who "relies on his acute reading of the game," per ESPN FC reporter Nick Dorrington.
United need immediate help at centre-back. But it seems Van Gaal may have to cast his net a little wider.
Darren Fletcher Undergoing Medical at West Ham
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Friday, Jan. 30
Darren Fletcher's long and storied Manchester United career looks to be drawing to a close with a move to West Ham now very likely before the January transfer window closes.
BBC Sport reports he is undergoing a medical at Upton Park while Louis van Gaal has confirmed that the Scottish international is in talks with the east London club:
"He is now in West Ham, so we have to wait and see. He is my third captain so he is an important guy in the dressing room. I like him as a human being and a player, so we will miss him.
"
The 30-year-old Fletcher has failed to break into the first-team setup under Van Gaal this season, starting only four times in the Premier League per WhoScored.com.
He will likely get far more starting opportunities at West Ham under Sam Allardyce and has been granted a free transfer in January with his United contract set to expire in the summer, per the Mirror's Aaron Flanagan.
Fletcher has spent his entire career at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League, but his time at United looks to be coming to an end.
United Eyeing £68m Deadline Day Double-Bid for Hummels and Laporte
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Friday, Jan. 30
Louis van Gaal is reported to be weighing up a sensational deadline-day double move for Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte.
The Dutchman's decision to not sign any central defenders continues to be scrutinised, but Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star believes he could soon drop £68 million on the two aforementioned players.
German publication Bild (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), report United are "lining up" a bid of £37.3 million for Hummels, a player who is destined to leave due to BVB's likely lack of Champions League football next year.
Sky Sports' Guillem Balague suggests United could grab Laporte if his £31 million buyout clause is paid, per Turrell: "Athletic Bilbao don’t know anything about United coming in, but Laporte does, and would be happy to go if they come with that money. It will be a tense week in Bilbao."
Both potential deals could be difficult to pull off before Feb. 2's transfer deadline, so Van Gaal needs to work avidly if either is to be secured.
Van Gaal 'Confident' of £15m Clyne Signing in the Summer
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Friday, Jan. 30
Louis van Gaal is "confident" of signing Nathaniel Clyne during the summer for £15 million, according to David McDonnell of the Mirror.
Clyne's name continues to follow Manchester United during the current transfer window, with previous reports suggesting the club are "close" to offering £20 million to land the the Southampton right-back, per Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star.
Clyne is said to be "in no rush" to sign the contract extension the Saints have already put on the table, as reported by Simon Peach of the Press Association (h/t the Daily Mail).
"I'm negotiating with my agent and also with the club so, yeah, we'll wait until April," noted Clyne.
The Englishman has been one of the breakout stars of the season so far, a feat rewarded with his first appearance for the national team. He is a confident defender who loves to bomb forward and has worked hard to shape his physicality to the demands of the Premier League.
Van Gaal has utilised Antonio Valencia at right-back for much of the season. Meanwhile, Rafael's fitness and form issues persist, meaning a move for Clyne would certainly plug a major gap.
Lazio Register Futile Interest in Javier Hernandez Loan Deal
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Thursday, Jan. 29
Lazio's bid to take Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez off the hands of Real Madrid has fallen at the first hurdle due to rules preventing a player from representing more than two clubs in a single season.
Hernandez is in the middle of a season-long loan at the Bernabeu but has struggled to feature for Los Merengues, making just eight La Liga appearances, starting just once.
The Daily Mail's Simon Jones reported that Lazio were looking to commandeer the loan and take "Chicharito" for the remainder of the campaign, but any such bid is hopeless.
Before leaving Old Trafford last summer, Hernandez played against Swansea City in the Premier League and a full 90 minutes in the Capital One Cup defeat to MK Dons.
As such, he would be ineligible to represent a third team. The Mexican international's deal at Old Trafford expires next summer, with an uncertainty as to what lies ahead upon his return to United.
His parent club will, however, be pleased to see that clubs are still showing an interest in the striker. If Louis van Gaal does deem the player surplus to requirements this summer, a raft of clubs may show intrigue in acquiring his services, Lazio being one should they retain their interest.
Kevin Strootman Undergoes More Surgery to Set Back Red Devils' Interest
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Thursday, Jan. 29
Kevin Strootman took to his official Facebook page on Thursday to confirm that he'd be undergoing more surgery on the knee which saw him ruled out of last year's World Cup with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Dutchman was eager to stress that Friday's procedure won't be a serious one and is designed to remove scar tissue and bring him back to his playing best in the long term, posting:
"There's a lot of speculation in the media about me and I would like to explain to all the fans what the real problem is. In the match versus Fiorentina I got a knock on my left knee. It's bruised and therefore I should rest my knee for a couple of weeks.
This gives me the opportunity to remove some scar tissue which has bothered me a bit after the last surgery and this will help me further in getting back to my old level. It's nothing serious and I will be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
"
Any chances of Roma manager Rudi Garcia allowing Strootman to leave the Italian capital this winter already looked slim, but as Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News states, this latest setback would rule it out altogether.
Ex-Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has been fiercely linked with his former Oranje star since taking over at the Manchester United helm, but this summer now looks the earliest juncture at which the transfer can come about.
Before that, though, the Red Devils will undoubtedly prefer to see more of Strootman in action before they commit to purchasing a player whose recent knee troubles have prevented him from figuring prominently in Rome.
Agent Mino Raiola Places Ticking Clock on Paul Pogba's Juventus Exit
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Mino Raiola, the agent of Juventus star Paul Pogba, has given Manchester United new hope in their pursuit of the former Red Devil, proclaiming that he will leave the Italians "if not this year, the year after."
In a glorifying assessment of his sought-after client, Raiola is quoted by Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mirror's Alex Richards) as saying:
"How long will Pogba stay in Italy? Everyone has their cards close to their chest, let’s see who gambles. PSG is the most natural: if we want to go, who can tell us no? But I don’t know whether that’s a card to play right now.
Could he stay? Renewing [with Juventus] was easy, I wouldn’t have renewed if it would create a problem for Juve or weaken Paul. I want those who believe in him to pay a premium. If Paul leaves Juve, he wants to do it to go to the top. So if it’s not this year it’ll be the year after. In the meantime, Paul has a good reputation and pay level so he can stay another year.
"
It certainly doesn't give those in Turin much hope of seeing Pogba see out his playing days with the Old Lady, or even making it through 2016 for that matter.
Richards mentions that Pogba could fetch a fee of £75 million when Juve do decide to cash in, with Raiola going on to add more praise of the elite quality the Frenchman boasts:
"He’s the only big star available in the summer, if someone wants him then the price could even be above €100million (£75million), if you can’t get [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi or [Zlatan] Ibra[himovic] then there’s only him.
Real Madrid? The more they say they don’t want him, the more I enjoy it. That’s the way they are. Today they say they’re not interested, tomorrow he’s wearing the crown on his shirt. An agent has to look after the interests of his player, and that might coincide with what the club wants. He’s a Ballon D’Or player, like [former Juventus star Pavel] Nedved.
"
Louis van Gaal would seek to fill a midfield void with the acquisition of Pogba, a multi-talented asset in the box-to-box role that the Red Devils were even yearning after at the time of his 2012 departure from Old Trafford.
It's no secret that since then, he's gone on to become one of the more revered players in his position in European football, with agent Raiola seemingly very aware of that fact.
Red Devils Open Channels over Last-Ditch Mats Hummels Bid
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Thursday, Jan. 29
Reports in Germany claim that Manchester United will launch a last-ditch bid to land Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels in the January window.
According to Sport Bild (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro) the Red Devils are willing to part with £37.3 million to sign the German international. The report claims that should be enough to see Dortmund let Hummels leave.
Simon Jones of the Daily Mail alleged on Thursday that meetings have already taken place regarding the deal, with Dortmund making contact with potential replacement, Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic.
When the Bundesliga resumes this weekend, the German club will find themselves right in the thick of a relegation scrap. With that in mind, letting one of the team’s most influential figures leave the club would be a massive gamble. For that kind of money, though, it’s an offer that will surely be taken seriously by the BVB hierarchy.
Hummels would add a real serenity to the heart of the Red Devils’ back four. He’s a player who boasts phenomenal fundamental defensive skills, brilliant leadership qualities and is also wonderful at bringing the ball out from the back and starting attacks.
He may be costly, but for Louis van Gaal quality defensive reinforcements are imperative before the January transfer window closes; Hummels is a player who would fit the bill for the Red Devils.
Real Madrid Happy to Wait for Free David De Gea Transfer
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Thursday, Jan. 29
Real Madrid are reportedly willing to wait until David De Gea's contract expires before snapping him up on a free, according to Mark Ogden of the Telegraph.
The Spanish goalkeeper's current deal ends in summer 2016. He is yet to commit long-term to Louis van Gaal's side, who recently signed Victor Valdes on a free to back-up De Gea's quality. The longer time passes without De Gea inking a new contract, the more curious this capture becomes.
United allegedly value their No. 1 at £50 million, per Richard Tanner of the Express. This means Madrid could save an awful lot of cash if they're prepared to play the waiting game, and indeed, if De Gea doesn't pen an extended stay.
Crystal Palace 'Close' to Permanently Re-Signing Wilfried Zaha, United Want £10m
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Thursday, Jan. 29
David Hytner of The Guardian reports Crystal Palace are "closing in" on re-signing Wilfried Zaha for £3 million plus a potential £3 million in add-ons. Zaha is currently on loan at Selhurst Park after failing to convince Louis van Gaal he should be considered for United's first team.
This is the second time he's return to the side on loan, not to mention his appearances for Cardiff last season. United paid £10 million for Zaha in 2013, but despite three different managers working at Old Trafford in that time, he's failed to make an impression.
Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail believes United won't let Zaha leave in a cut-price deal, however, with the side reportedly wanting £10 million to see him leave.
He could certainly gain a more prominent role at Palace, a club where he is loved.
Barcelona Muscle in on Race for Paul Pogba
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Wednesday Jan. 28
Barcelona are apparently set to join Manchester United and a host of European football's most illustrious names in the race for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
That's according to reports in Spain which, according to Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star, claim that the Frenchman's string of sensational displays at the heart of the Bianconeri midfield have caught the eye of the Catalan giants. The piece claims that Barca will make their interest concrete once their transfer embargo is lifted in 2016.
With United et al reportedly interested in the player, Barcelona may not get a chance to sign him, though. The Frenchman is fast establishing himself as one of the best players on the planet, and you suspect all those clubs who can afford to will be willing to spend a world-record sum to land him.
The Red Devils let Pogba walk away on a free transfer back in 2011 in one of the biggest mistakes the club has made in the Premier League era. Getting him back to Old Trafford could prove to be very costly, but even for an astronomical fee, the player's age and quality would make Pogba well worth the money.
United in the Running for Juan Cuadrado
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Wednesday, Jan. 28
Manchester United will go head-to-head with Chelsea in the final knockings of the January transfer window in order to land Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, according to reports.
As noted by Jamie Sanderson of Metro, reports in Italy suggest that Louis van Gaal’s side are ready to bid for the Colombian international after sustained negotiations with the Blues have yet to yield anything tangible in terms of a deal.
Former Manchester City man and Cuadrado’s current Fiorentina teammate Micah Richards also admitted recently that the Colombian is tailor-made for English football, per Sky Sports:
"I have been training with him every day and he’s got everything; technique, speed, power, pace. All his attributes would be suited to the Premier League so I can see exactly why he is being linked with a move there.
He’s loved here at Fiorentina and if he was to leave the fans would be gutted but I suppose as a player he’s got to decide what’s best for him.
"
Landing Cuadrado, whose versatility and directness would make him an instant hit at Old Trafford, would represent superb business for United as they look to the second half of the season. Edging out Chelsea at this late stage would be the coup de grace on any potential deal.
Aymeric Laporte 'Keen' on United Move
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Wednesday, Jan. 28
Manchester United and Real Madrid will go "head-to-head" over the signing of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, according to Simon Jones of the MailOnline.
Jones believes the centre-back "has been on United's radar for the past couple of seasons" and that he could provide an answer to Louis van Gaal's continued problems in defence.
Laporte "would be keen" on a move to Old Trafford, according to Adrian Kajumba of the Mirror, but United would likely need to pay his £32 million buyout clause.
Jones suggests Madrid have taken the "first steps" to ensuring he is lined up as a replacement for either Pepe or Sergio Ramos, two players who are heading toward the latter stages of their career.
Sky Sports' Guillem Balague doesn't believe Madrid are in for the player, saying: "Real Madrid are more than happy with Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Raphael Varane. Even Nacho is useful to them. Of course, they have always got to be on the look-out for new players but Laporte is not on the list for Real as we speak, according to my information."
Laporte's buyout clause is said to stand at £31.5 million, making the 20-year-old defender an expensive investment.
Red Devils Keen to Cash in on Nani
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Tuesday Jan. 27
Manchester United are willing to sell Portuguese winger Nani, but the club could be stuck the player because of his substantial wage demands.
According to the Manchester Evening News (h/t James Robson of the Mirror), the 28-year-old is currently earning a whopping £100,000-a-week. It's easy to see why the club is willing to get the player's—currently on loan at Club Sporting de Portugal—salary off the books, but according to Robson's aforementioned piece, teams willing to pay the player that amount are scarce.
Nani is quoted in Robson's piece as saying he still feels he has a future at Old Trafford:
"The club know my value and I know they want me to stay.
It was me who made the choice to leave the club and it was a good decision by me because I knew if I stayed one more season at Old Trafford, it would be very hard for me.
I just need someone to believe in me, trust me and my qualities, and give me an opportunity to show them on the pitch.
"
The Portuguese international has rediscovered some form since his loan switch back to Lisbon, but he's never been able to show his undeniable ability for a prolonged spell in the Premier League. If United can find a buyer,
Andre Pirlo Believes United Must Live with Paul Pogba 'Mistake'
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Tuesday, Jan. 27
Italian legend Andrea Pirlo believes Manchester United must forever live with the consequences of letting Paul Pogba leave on a free in 2012. Sir Alex Ferguson couldn't find room for the Frenchman who left Old Trafford frustrated with his lack of first-team chances.
Just a couple of years later and at the age of 21, he is regarded as arguably the sport's most talented young star.
Pirlo doesn't believe Pogba will return to the Theatre of Dreams, per Telefoot (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News): "For whatever reasons they chose not to give him a chance—and that is a mistake they will have to live with now. I can't see that he (Pogba) will ever return to Manchester United."
The Red Devils, Chelsea and Real Madrid are currently linked with a move for Pogba, per Adam Smith of the MailOnline. He has excelled for Juventus this season, perhaps pushing any transfer toward a world-record fee.
Paris Saint-Germain Have Fresh Adnan Januzaj Bid Rejected
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Tuesday, Jan. 27
Dirk de Vriese, Adnan Januzaj's agent, has confirmed Louis van Gaal turned down a bid from Paris Saint-Germain for the Belgian in the current transfer window.
The French champions made an attempt to sign Januzaj during the summer, but despite falling down the pecking order since Van Gaal took over, De Vriese is clear the Dutchman doesn't want the talented youngster to leave.
De Vriese spoke to Foot Mercato (h/t Jack Bezants of the MailOnline):
"PSG have shown themselves to be interested this winter. They directly contacted Manchester United for information. Van Gaal announced that he (Januzaj) cannot leave this winter. Not as a permanent transfer nor as a loan. The coach considered him as an important player for (the) squad. He is counting on everyone. It seems like a definitive decision, I don’t think that it can change.
"
Januzaj broke onto the scene under Sir Alex Ferguson and was one of the only bright sparks under David Moyes last season. The 19-year-old has posted just five starts across all competitions this campaign, per WhoScored.com, and is yet to consistent make good on his potential.
Darren Fletcher Reportedly Told He Can Leave Old Trafford
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Tuesday, Jan. 27
ESPN reports that Manchester United have told Darren Fletcher "he can leave the club on a free transfer."
Previous suggestions also indicate Fletcher's storied career with United is set to come to an end. That's the word from Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, who suggests West Ham are "confident" Fletcher will ink a three-and-a-half-year deal with Sam Allardyce's men.
Fletcher has remained a one-man club since breaking into the senior ranks 12 years ago. His struggle with ulcerative colitis has severely limited his playing time in recent years, as highlighted by his four starts across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com.
The Scotsman still possesses quality on the ball, however, and is an experienced leader who can aid West Ham's chances of getting into Europe. Fletcher has a calming quality in possession and can add extra squad depth to the side who are just four points adrift of a Champions League spot.
'No Bid' Made for Aleksandar Dragovic
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Monday, Jan. 26
BBC journalist Howard Nurse has suggested Manchester United are yet to make a bid for Dynamo Kiev's Aleksandar Dragovic.
Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express recently reported the Red Devils "have launched a £15 million" attempt to secure the Austrian's signature, but Nurse doesn't believe this is the case:
"Being asked about Dragovic to #MUFC. We were told 72 hours ago that no bid had been lodged.
— Howard Nurse (@howardnurse) January 25, 2015"
Louis van Gaal desperately needs defensive additions—especially after Arsenal confirmed the likely signing of Villarreal's Gabriel Paulista, per BBC Sport—with Dragovic emerging as a potentially quality capture for the club.
United Put Gareth Bale Funds in Place
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Monday, Jan. 26
Manchester United have set aside money for the signing of Gareth Bale if David De Gea confirms he wants to join Real Madrid, according to Ben Jefferson of the Express.
Jefferson believes United have £120 million waiting for Bale's transfer, but he indicates Los Blancos would only consider a deal including De Gea. It is suggested the Spanish stopper "will make a decision based on what feels right, rather than money," giving United hope they can secure the loyalty of a player who has dramatically improved since his arrival in 2011.
Bale remains a key player for Madrid, despite fans jeering him in recent times. He scored the winner during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Cordoba and is set to take on a more important role during the next couple of weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off at the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel.
United are reported to have set a £50 million valuation for De Gea, per Richard Tanner of the Express. The club were also said to have offered Tottenham more than the £85 million Madrid paid for Bale before he chose to join the Bernabeu club.
Marquinhos Interest Confirmed, £50m Bid Needed
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Monday, Jan. 26
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly "laughed off" suggestions Manchester United can land Marquinhos for £30 million. Instead, the Ligue 1 champions are waiting for a bid to exceed £50 million to let their versatile Brazilian defender leave.
Giuliano Bertolucci, the player's agent, recently spoke to Le Parisien (h/t Ben Nagle of the Daily Mail):
"Last summer, PSG's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi declared that Marquinhos was unsellable. We will see what their position is this summer. Many clubs are interested in the player. Manchester United are one of them, this is true.
"
Bertolucci added Marquinhos "is not a lesser player compared with Thiago Silva or David Luiz," indicating United would have to pay a fee to match.
Marquinhos' ability to fulfill a number of roles—he is comfortable at centre-back, full-back or in defensive midfield—makes him an extremely attractive prospect. Van Gaal certainly needs additional quality in each of these positions, but adding the former Roma starlet isn't going to happen for cheap.
Paris Saint-Germain Eyeing Andreas Pereira
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Monday, Jan. 26
Contract negotiations between Manchester United and youngster Andreas Pereira have not being going smoothly, and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly ready to swoop in and make the midfielder a better offer.
According to the Daily Mail's Simon Jones, the 19-year-old turned down the Red Devils' initial contract offer, and with his current deal expiring in the summer, PSG are monitoring the situation.
Born in Belgium to Brazilian parents, Pereira is widely regarded as one of the biggest talents in United's youth system. But with his path to the senior side seemingly blocked thanks to a number of top contributors ahead of him in the pecking order, he's yet to receive the chance to show he can make an impact on the highest level.
As reported by Jones, he told Brazilian media earlier this season that's he not thinking about his contract situation:
"My agent is in charge of everything. I asked him to do his job without telling me anything, to keep my focus on the pitch. Van Gaal told me to stay calm. He wants to give me a chance because I have plenty of talent. When he arrived at the club, I talked with him. He always does so.
"
The situation has some similarities to the transfer saga surrounding Paul Pogba a few years ago, with the France international eventually leaving the club for Juventus. One has to assume United have learned their lesson and won't let it comes that far this time around.
Juventus Boss Massimiliano Allegri Drops Paul Pogba Hint
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Monday, Jan. 26
Former Mancunian Paul Pogba is one of the hottest names on the transfer market, and as reported by Metro's Will Giles, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri told reporters after the 2-0 win against Chievo he understands the young midfielder could leave the club for the right offer:
"To win games, you need to have strong players, otherwise there wouldn’t be players worth 100 million euros (£75 million) and others worth five.
Everything has a value in life, unfortunately, and the outstanding players are hard to replace, but things always move on in football.
For now, let’s just enjoy having him.
"
United are expected to be strong contenders for his services once the 21-year-old makes it clear it's time to leave Turin, but the France international is yet to give any indication that time is near.
Fans would undoubtedly love to see the talented midfielder return, but a January move seems highly unlikely.
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