Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Pepe and Adnan Januzaj Rumours

Manchester United's reported pursuit of Real Madrid defender Pepe has finished after he signed a contract extension at the Bernabeu.

According to Izzy Horsefield of the Express, United were targeting a move for the centre-back, but Los Blancos confirmed the news via their official Twitter feed:

However, it seems unlikely the club were genuinely interested in Pepe.

Though the Red Devils could use the addition of a commanding central defender in their back four, the 32-year-old Portuguese international is not the player who can restore the imposing, nigh-invulnerable air they enjoyed in the days of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Further, at his age, Pepe would only have represented a short-term acquisition for United, and manager Louis van Gaal is unlikely to target a short-term player unless he could dramatically improve their squad.

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Indeed, the Dutchman is already satisfied with the state of his side, despite their lack of a top centre-back and firepower up front.

Per Horsefield's report, he said: "You can see my squad and you can see for every position we now have two players. We don't have to change, but when we can improve we shall do that, but only in our way and not in the way people are suggesting."

Finally, Real Madrid are unlikely to allow any of their players to depart for Old Trafford unless David De Gea is heading their way in exchange anyway.

If Van Gaal is even targeting another defender at all, it wasn't Pepe.

Borussia Dortmund Interested in Adnan Januzaj Loan Deal

According to Sport Bild (via Metro), United "could make the surprise decision to let Adnan Januzaj leave Old Trafford on loan this season, alerting Borussia Dortmund and Southampton."

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The winger struggled for minutes last season as he started just seven Premier League games, but he has started the Red Devils' last two league games.

The youngster scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in United's second game.

Following the win, Januzaj acknowledged his lack of game time but maintained he was happy at the club, per the Telegraph's Liam, who was impressed with the Belgian:

However, Januzaj struggled to make an impact against Newcastle United, where he was fortunate to escape a yellow card for diving.

Bleacher Report's own Paul Ansorge has previously discussed the merits of a temporary switch for Januzaj. He said: "A loan move would fit the bill perfectly, allowing him to develop away from the spotlight of Old Trafford."

However, Van Gaal has already indicated he is willing to give the winger more game time this season, perhaps due to the sale of Angel Di Maria.

With United having missed out on Pedro, another winger coming in looks unlikely, so expect Januzaj to remain with the squad as he enjoys more time on the pitch than last year.

The 20-year-old still has plenty of developing to do, but if he's going to be given the time he needs then it makes sense to continue his growth at Old Trafford.