Manchester United Transfer News: Neymar Rumours, David De Gea Latest

In one of the most surprising transfer rumours of the summer so far, Manchester United have been linked with a highly ambitious move for Barcelona star Neymar.

According to The Sun (h/t Sport Witness), Red Devils chief executive Ed Woodward has made a “discreet approach” to the Blaugrana about their forward. It’s noted that while Woodward’s visits to Barcelona recently were in regard to a deal for Pedro, the United chief has actually made “an audacious bid for Neymar.”

There’s no denying that United fans would love to have Neymar on board, and here’s a taster as to why:

The Red Devils command a massive gravitas, and they’re capable of attracting some of the very best names in world football. But even for a club of United’s immense standing, impeccable tradition and significant financial clout, this deal is surely beyond them.

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Sports journalist Rafael Hernandez thinks that given the long-term plans Barcelona have for Neymar, there's no way a transfer will happen:

The proposed fee would surely be stratospheric, too. Neymar established himself last season, not only as one of the most talented footballers on the planet, but also as a forward who can make decisive impacts at critical moments in matches for his team. His reward was a trio of major honours, as he dazzled defences across Europe alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

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Breathe Sport summed up how most football fans are likely to react when they hear this peculiar transfer rumour:

"

Manchester United fans react to reports from The Sun linking them with Neymar ... https://t.co/2ukRKjINau

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) August 21, 2015"

United could certainly do with a world-class addition up front, though. The team has been functional rather than fluid in the opening weeks of the season and seems to be lacking a spark that’ll see it thrill supporters again. A player of top-class calibre would make a massive difference in that respect and give everyone at Old Trafford a huge lift.

But it won’t be Neymar. While it’s no surprise to hear an illustrious club may have enquired about one of the best players in the world, this is a deal United won't pull off; when it comes to the Brazilian, the time spent on any pursuit would be time wasted.

David De Gea Won’t Be Sold, Says Louis van Gaal

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has made it abundantly clear that the Red Devils will not be selling David De Gea in this transfer window.

The Dutchman was speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Premier League encounter with Newcastle United and was quizzed on the club’s reported pursuit of new Chelsea signing Pedro. 

“I think when Manchester United wants a player he shall come, [apart from] when a club is not selling,” he said, per Richard Jolly of ESPN. “Okay, then it is the same with us. We are not selling De Gea. It's the same.”

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As noted by Jolly in his piece, the goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Real Madrid throughout the summer months and with just one year remaining on his deal with the Red Devils, has refused the opportunity to extend his stay with the Red Devils. As such, Sam Pilger of FourFourTwo thinks he should be moved on:

It’s a very difficult situation which United find themselves in, and while Van Gaal has taken a bullish stance on the matter, in the long run, will the Red Devils really be better off keeping hold of De Gea for another year? Surely with the club knowing that a replacement will be needed, a substantial offer should be accepted at this juncture.

But De Gea isn’t likely to sit and sulk should he remain at Old Trafford. He’ll be aware that in Sergio Romero there is capable back-up, while a dereliction of duty would cost him his place in the Spanish team for the 2016 European Championships. Nevertheless, if Real do test United’s resolve, it’ll be interesting to see just how much conviction there is to Van Gaal’s boisterous claims.