Manchester United Transfer News: Major Red Devils Rumours on Easter Sunday

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal looks set to bolster his defensive options in the upcoming transfer window, with reports linking the Red Devils with moves for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira and Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos.

The former represents an especially intriguing proposition, with his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu set to expire at the end of the current campaign. According to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, the Red Devils will do their utmost to land the German international in the summer by offering a lucrative £200,000-a-week salary.

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Here’s a look at the kind of talents Khedira could bring to Old Trafford:

On a free transfer, the World Cup winner would be some coup for United. He’s a player who would bring a defensive acumen, an industry and a tenacity in the tackle that has been scarce in the United midfield this season, not to mention a drive and an underpinning winning mentality.

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As we can see here, courtesy of Bleacher Report UK, the 28-year-old is a player who has sampled myriad honours throughout his distinguished career:

According to Hetherington’s piece, Van Gaal is looking for a player to add some steel to the middle of the park and with perennial concerns regarding the fitness of preferred choice Kevin Strootman, the Dutchman sees Khedira as a fine alternative. However, the Red Devils could face stern competition, with Arsenal and Liverpool also apparently interested in the German.

As noted by Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft, there’s interest from the German top flight, too, but the player seems keen on a move to the Premier League:

The prospect of joining up with United would surely be an enticing one for Khedira. The club are looking to re-establish themselves amidst the top sides in English and European football, and he could play a vital role in a swift renaissance.

Stylistically, the German has all the requisite qualities needed to improve this United midfield, adding a dash of fortitude to the nexus of the side. If the Red Devils can get a deal done, it’d be one of the signings of the summer.

Red Devils in for Marquinhos

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United will test the resolve of Paris Saint-Germain when it comes to keeping hold of their young central defender Marquinhos, with Jamie Sanderson of Metro claiming the Red Devils will offer circa £40.1 million to bring him to Old Trafford.

According to the piece, United moved for the Brazilian in January but were foiled in their attempts. However, they would apparently be capable of increasing the player’s current salary, which would enable the club to “sort out personal terms quickly.”

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Marquinhos has shown his immense value to PSG this season. While he is at his best in the heart of the defence, the former Roma man has excelled in both full-back spots when needed, showcasing a real versatility to complement his already-broad array of qualities.

Indeed, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe thinks he's one of the best young players in European football:

With that in mind, it’s tough to see the French champions relinquishing the services of this brilliant talent. While the youngster may find opportunities difficult to come by at centre-back with David Luiz and Thiago Silva in situ, his adaptability means he will certainly get game time; playing in these different roles will only serve to enhance Marquinhos’ development, too.

According to reports in France (h/t Bleacher Report’s French football expert Jonathan Johnson), PSG will rely on the defender as cover in wider berths for next season:

Marquinhos has emerged as a vital cog at the Parc des Princes this campaign, and while a bid in the region of £40 million would have to be considered seriously by the French champions, you suspect that United may have to stump a little more than that if they’re going to bring the 20-year-old sensation to Old Trafford.