Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Mario Gotze, David De Gea Rumours

Manchester United have to entertain the idea of moving for Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze, even if that means giving up Angel Di Maria in a transfer, according to former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann.

Writing for Goal.com, the German pundit looked at Gotze's fit with the Bavarians and the likelihood of him leaving the club, before touching on the possibility of a swap with the Red Devils:

"

Gotze seems to like a more harmonious atmosphere and Bayern are highly likely to sell him. He's not happy at the club, and the club aren't happy with him. When that's the case it's better all round to have a parting of the ways. Bayern will want to get back roughly what they paid for Gotze but whether anyone is willing to cop a £30m fee is another matter.

There has been talk of a swap with Manchester United for Angel Di Maria. Whether that is likely I don't know, but Di Maria is the type of player Bayern need, and they have to bring in players of his calibre.

"

The 22-year-old was expected to enjoy a breakout season after scoring the winning goal for Germany at the 2014 World Cup, but things haven't gone according to plan. Even with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery sidelined, Gotze has failed to shine on the biggest stage.

As a result, his future at the club is being questioned more than ever. The New York Times' Stefan Bienkowski wonders if his obvious potential will ever translate to actual, consistent production:

As shared by MailOnline Sport, German football legend Franz Beckenbauer's message for the former Borussia Dortmund star was a little harsher:

Talent certainly isn't the issue. Gotze had been lauded as one of the world's top young forwards for years, and when he's in form, he has the ability to take over matches and act as a one-man wrecking crew.

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola told reporters there is nothing wrong with his mentality or intensity in training either, via beIN Sports USA:

If Hamann is correct and the youngster needs a change of scenery, United should pounce. But swapping Gotze for Di Maria may not be such a good idea. Yes, the Argentina international was hardly productive in his first year at Old Trafford, but it's too early to give up on the club's top signing of the last summer window.

The Red Devils have the financial firepower to launch the kind of offer that could convince Bayern to sell without receiving a star player in return. Adding Gotze to a group of forwards including Di Maria and Memphis Depay, who all have the versatility to play behind a deep striker like Wayne Rooney, would have Premier League defences trembling in their boots.

Carlo Ancelotti Praises Iker Casillas Amid David De Gea Rumours

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti plans on sticking with Iker Casillas as his No. 1 goalkeeper—a massive boost to United's attempts to keep David De Gea at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

The Italian manager was asked about Casillas' future at the club, and as reported by the Manchester Evening News' Rob Dawson, he made it very clear he has full confidence in the veteran, saying: "He's repeated many times that he wants to stay here; he has the confidence of everyone: the coach, his teammates and the club."

Those comments go directly against a recent report from Sport (h/t Sport Witness):

De Gea's future at Old Trafford has been a topic of speculation all season, with Real consistently listed as the most likely destination should the Spain international leave the Premier League.

Bleacher Report's Thom Gibbs doesn't believe De Gea will leave during the summer, although he thinks the Spaniard will eventually move to Madrid:

Casillas has been Los Blancos' preferred option in goal for years―minus the final months of Jose Mourinho's spell in charge of the club―but is slowly approaching the end of his career, and while Real have the prolific Keylor Navas sitting on the bench, De Gea's status as one of the world's best young stoppers would make him a tantalising transfer target.

Ancelotti's comments on Casillas' status shouldn't be pulled out of context too much: The Italian was obviously not going to throw his star goalkeeper under the bus days before a vital Champions League match against Juventus.

We'll keep hearing about De Gea's status until he signs a new deal, and right now, he's still expected to be with the Red Devils for the 2015-16 season. Real can afford to be patient in this saga, with Casillas and Navas more than capable of starting for the club until De Gea becomes a realistic option.

Follow @ReverschPass