Manchester United Transfer News: Major Roberto Firmino, Nigel de Jong Rumours

Manchester United look to be the front-runners in the race to sign Hoffenheim’s Brazilian star Roberto Firmino this summer, with some reports claiming that a deal has already been struck.

That’s according to Tutto Mercato Web (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star), with the outlet suggesting the two clubs have agreed an £18.6 million fee. Harris claims that United scout Peter Braund has been “keeping tabs” on Firmino for a while now and the Red Devils are poised to sign the playmaker ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Here’s a look at what the Selecao star could potentially add to United’s squad:

Harris’ piece also cites German newspaper Bild claiming that a transfer is “90 per cent likely.” According to Sport Witness, however, there has been some confusion regarding the origin of reports regarding a fee being agreed:

Nonetheless, interest in Firmino is inevitable this summer. Hoffenheim are enjoying a fine season, but they aren’t going to qualify for the Champions League and don’t really boast the financial muscle to fend off flush European juggernauts. Firmino is a player who looks ready to make the step up to an illustrious club too.

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As noted by Cristian Nyari of FCB Media, the attacking midfielder finally seems to be getting some long overdue attention:

Indeed, the 23-year-old has been understatedly impressive for a while now. He’s been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga over the past couple of campaigns, showcasing a swagger, an ingenuity and an engrossing incision at the spearhead of Hoffenheim’s midfield. His recent winner for Brazil against Chile at the Emirates Stadium merely thrust his talents upon a wider audience.

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As we can see here, courtesy of James Dart of the Guardian, it was a goal that reeked of panache:

For United, he’d be a fine purchase and the kind of player Louis van Gaal would look to build a team around. While the Red Devils have a lot of attacking-midfield talents, Firmino is a player who would give United a fluidity that has been pretty scarce throughout the entirety of this current campaign.

United 'Hold Talks' With Nigel de Jong

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Former Manchester City favourite Nigel de Jong could be set to cross the Manchester divide, with reports from Tuttosport (h/t Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror) claiming that the Red Devils have been in talks with the rumbustious AC Milan midfielder.

With the 30-year-old’s contract due to expire at the end of the season, De Jong would be available on a free transfer, although according to Prenderville’s piece, he would command a whopping £4 million-per-year salary.

Here’s a look at what he could potentially add:

De Jong is a player Van Gaal knows well, having played under the coach for the Netherlands. And having flourished at City, the midfielder is somebody well acquainted with the ferocious tempo of the Premier League.

As noted by WhoScored.com, his defensive influence was vital for City during his time at the Etihad Stadium:

It may not be a transfer that would get pulses racing among the Old Trafford faithful, but this could potentially be a savvy move on United’s part. After all, De Jong would add a defensive fortitude that is currently lacking in United's midfield, and as the Red Devils look to reclaim their place among the division’s elite, some title-winning nous too.

The City connection may pose a problem here, but Van Gaal will be hoping his affinity with the player can help conquer that obstacle. As for the fans? You suspect as soon as De Jong puts in a few crunching challenges in United red, his previous allegiance will be quickly forgotten.