Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin De Bruyne Targeted Amid Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly ready to splash a whopping £55 million to bring Wolfsburg star Kevin De Bruyne to Old Trafford at the expense of Manchester City.

That’s according to “reports in Germany” cited by Tom Oliver of Metro. In the piece, it’s claimed that after missing out on Pedro to Chelsea and giving up on Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller, manager Louis van Gaal will turn to the Belgian international. As Oliver notes, City have long been the favourites to land the playmaker.

United’s interest was also confirmed by Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft:

Although Bayern are mentioned as potential rivals to land De Bruyne, it seems increasingly likely to be a straight fight between the two Manchester clubs. That’s after a spokesman for the German champions, Markus Hoerwick, told reporters (h/t Sky Sports) that “we will definitely not become active in the matter of De Bruyne.”

Since joining Wolfsburg from Chelsea in January 2014, De Bruyne has blossomed into one of the most talented players in European football. As noted here by Squawka Football, he was statistically the most creative influence on the continent last term:

So getting him on board would certainly be something of a coup for the Red Devils, especially at the expense of Manchester City. In the early weeks of the season United have lacked a little bit of a cutting edge too, an issue that would surely be abated by the Belgian’s cerebral instincts and incisive passing.

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Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks De Bruyne, who failed to make an impact in the Premier League with the Blues, could be perfect for United:

There’s no denying De Bruyne’s talent, but if Van Gaal is willing to part with £55 million in the latter stages of the window, there are probably other areas in which the money could be better spent.

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After all, United’s midfield options are already swollen as it is and while they may not be as talented as the Belgian, Juan Mata, Adnan Januzaj, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini are all capable of operating in the role behind the striker. Meanwhile, the squad is very thinly spread when it comes to centre-backs and centre-forwards.

As we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ, a striker should probably be the main priority for Van Gaal:

De Bruyne is a world-class talent and a player who would light up Old Trafford with his visionary traits, but his acquisition would be an indulgence rather than a necessity for United. Leaving the team so short in a couple of critical areas at his expense would not only be detrimental to the campaign, but a little naive on the part of Van Gaal.

There would be something a little extra sweet about landing the 24-year-old ahead of their eternal enemies and the move would be a statement. But in the final embers of the transfer window, when chaotic hyperbole typically reigns supreme, it’s important United keep their cool and bring in some personnel who would enrich their squad in the most appropriate manner possible.