Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Hakan Calhanoglu and Neymar Rumours

Manchester United could be set to make a shock deadline-day swoop for Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu.

That’s according to Turkish newspaper Beyaz Gazete (h/t Goal) which claims that the Red Devils are willing to part with €36 million for the attacking midfielder. Calhanoglu only joined Bayer last summer from Hamburg on a five-year contract.

Here’s a look at why the Turkey international is rated as one of the most exciting young players in the Bundesliga:

The 21-year-old is regularly plastered across social media for his stunning goals. He possesses a devilish right foot, making him a major danger from range and especially set pieces. As noted here by WhoScored.com, Calhanoglu is a player who is prolific outside the box:

There’s a lot more to his game than smashing the ball in from long distance, though. Calhanoglu is a very intelligent footballer and creates a lot of chances for other players in the Leverkusen team. In addition, he’s a willing worker, tenacious in the tackle and a player who seems to be relishing the added responsibility handed to him by manager Roger Schmidt.

Sport Witness doubt there is much credence to stories linking the player with a move, though:

In addition, Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail doesn't expect the Red Devils to make any major signings aside from that of 19-year-old Anthony Martial from Monaco:

For United he’d certainly fit the bill. The Turkish starlet possesses a direct playing style that would give the Red Devils a renewed attacking impetus and although a fee of €36 million may seem steep, Calhanoglu is a player who could be worth even more next summer after another strong season with Leverkusen.

JOSE MANUEL RIBEIRO/Getty Images

But with the German deadline closed and Son Heung-min moved on to Tottenham Hotspur, it’s tough to see a situation arising where another prized asset will be sold by Leverkusen.

Neymar Set for New Deal at Barcelona

Silvia Izquierdo/Associated Press

Despite being linked with a move to Manchester United, Barcelona star Neymar looks unlikely to be leaving the club, with reports suggesting a bumper new contract will be signed very soon.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t football-espana.net) there’s no rush to thrash out terms on a new deal, but it’s “a matter of time” before one is eventually signed. As noted by Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, the Red Devils had previously been linked with a big-money move for the Brazil skipper.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe gave his assessment on Neymar-to-United rumours:

It’d be a fantasy capture for United. Neymar has blossomed into one of the very best players in the world at the Camp Nou and a young man who makes telling impacts in the biggest matches. At Old Trafford there’s no doubt he’d be an exciting capture, but it’s clear Neymar loves playing at Barcelona and alongside some of the finest players in the game.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

If the Red Devils do preserve a genuine interest in the player, renewed terms are unlikely to stop them. United will be well aware that it’ll take a stratospheric offer to lure Neymar away from the Camp Nou and while it won’t happen this summer, going forward this is a possible deal we’re likely to hear a lot more about.