Manchester United Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez Move Doubted, Latest Rumours

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has insinuated Riyad Mahrez is not ready for a move to a big club such as Manchester United, telling the attacker he needs to remain with the Foxes for the foreseeable future.

Steve Madeley of the Daily Star quoted the Italian boss addressing rumours of a potential switch to one of the Premier League's elite teams, as United and Arsenal monitor Mahrez's situation:

"

I think it is important for him to continue with us and to learn more.

It is one thing to play for Leicester and another to play at the highest level.

When you arrive at the top, when you play well it is normal, so you must do something more.

It is another very important step so it is important he grows up with me, here.

It is a normal thing for players who want to grow up that big clubs are asking about you.

But if it makes you 'strange' then you aren't a big talent and I believe Riyad and Vardy are very big talents.

Now they are working for Leicester and they have to do their best for us.

"

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Mahrez has formed a deadly alliance with Jamie Vardy in Leicester's attack, and the pair have hit the back of the net with consistency, allowing the Foxes to jump above United in the table.

The 24-year-old arrived in England from La Havre for a meagre £400,000, per Madeley, making him one of the best bargain buys for the east Midlands club. 

The attacking midfielder has scored seven goals in his 10 league appearances, according to Squawka.com, and talk of a quick transfer to a bigger club should come as no surprise. 

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However, Gregg Bakowski of the Guardian said Van Gaal could turn his attentions to a La Liga midfielder if his interest in Mahrez is forcefully ended by Ranieri: "If United do lose out on Mahrez, they’ll comfort themselves by leaving £36 million in a wheelbarrow outside the Mestalla for Valencia’s Andre Gomes, a central midfielder so silky you could make handkerchiefs with his passing stats." 

Simon Jones of the MailOnline reported Van Gaal had sent a scout to watch Gomes, along with Valencia team-mates Shkodran Mustafi and Jose Luis Gaya, as the Dutchman monitors the trio as potential transfer targets.

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Gomes has been sensational at the Mestalla, and the 22-year-old Portugal international has seen his stock explode in the past 12 months. 

The prodigy featured 33 times in La Liga for Los Che last term, per WhoScored.com, and will be coveted by Europe's top teams in forthcoming transfer windows. 

United have failed to hit the back of the net with regularity in the past few weeks, but it is the creative hub of the midfield that is a concern along with the attack.

Either Mahrez and Gomes would give Van Gaal an exciting option in the midfield area, and the Leicester player has already proved he can score goals from deep. 

The Red Devils need to invest in January to keep their charge for the Premier League title intact, but a top-four berth is the most important factor for Van Gaal as he looks to guarantee Champions League football for a second consecutive season.