Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Robin Van Persie, Adnan Januzaj Rumours

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie told reporters he fears his current contract may not be extended after the 2015-16 season, opening the door for a potential transfer from the Red Devils.

Sky Sports broke the news:

The Dutch international isn't enjoying his greatest campaign for the Mancunians, and he admitted as much when he discussed his future at the club, as reported by BBC Sport:

"

It is not up to me - for the moment I am staying here for another 18 months.

That is it really. I can't look into the future. I don't know what is going to happen after that. We shall have to wait and see.

I have played something like 20 games and I have scored eight goals. I am not happy with that. ...

I want to score more. I will do everything, every day in training and during the games. I will keep doing what I have been doing for the last 10 years to make those goals.

"

The 31-year-old forward's eight goals all season, according to WhoScored.com, are well below his usual lofty standards.

Rumours of a potential move away from the club have existed since summer, with Spanish reports (via the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson) suggesting Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were options back in September.

Those rumours appear dead in the water after a disappointing first six months to the season, however, with Van Persie struggling the way he is. The Sport Bible's Liam believes summer arrival Radamel Falcao, who has also faced his share of criticism, should start ahead of the Dutchman:

"

I'll honestly be really upset if Herrera doesn't get a game here. Drop Rooney and RvP and play Herrera and Falcao.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) January 23, 2015"

By the start of the 2016-17 season—the first beyond his current contract—Van Persie will be 33, so the idea of cashing in on the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner makes sense. Whether clubs would be willing to offer top dollar for the striker is another matter.

Manager Louis van Gaal continues to trust the player, even if fans like The Peoples Person disagree with that decision, and unless his form falls even more, it seems more likely he'll play out his contract and assess his options at that point.

Adnan Januzaj's agent Dirk de Vriese confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain made an official approach with a loan offer for his client, but Van Gaal told the young Belgian star he can't leave the club under any circumstances.

As reported by the Daily Telegraph's Mark Ogden, he told Foot Mercato:

"

Yes, PSG have shown themselves to be interested this winter. They directly contacted Manchester United for information. But Louis 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 squad [sic]. He is counting on everyone.

It seems like a definitive decision, I don’t think that it can change.

"

The 19-year-old has made just four Premier League starts all season according to WhoScored, and the consistent lack of playing time has seen his play regress tremendously in the few chances the new manager has granted him.

Rumours of a potential loan deal started to swirl in December, as reported by FourFourTwo, and Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Alex Dimond believed it would be best for his development if they came to fruition:

The decision not to loan him out would indicate Van Gaal sees the Belgium international as a vital part of his squad and is prepared to give him more minutes in the second half of the season.

The Daily Mirror's Oliver Holt likes that idea:

Januzaj's raw pace would add a much-needed element to United's midfield, which has often looked static during the season. For the sake of his development, the teenager can only hope Van Gaal sees things the same way and starts using him more often.

If not, a loan move would have been the logical next step. Januzaj is simply too talented to be wasting away on the bench, and while a move to PSG and their stacked midfield would have made little sense, the fact the French champions were interested in his services is indicative of how high his contributions are still valued.

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