Manchester United Transfer News: Real Madrid's Lucas Biglia Bid, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are at risk of suffering a double transfer blow following reports Real Madrid have made their move to sign Lazio's Lucas Biglia, and Liverpool have launched a bid for Schalke maestro Leroy Sane.

According to Italian website Calciomercato, Real "have already made contact" with Lazio in their hunt to sign Biglia, who recently turned down the opportunity to extend his contract in Rome (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express). 

Ng Han Guan/Associated Press

Biglia joined the Eagles in 2013 after seven years with Anderlecht, and the Argentina international has enhanced his reputation as one of Serie A's most impressive anchors over the past two years.

The 29-year-old could yet remain in Italy, however, after his agent, Enzo Montepaone, spoke to Italian outlet FCInter1908 and told of Inter's contention in the race to sign his client (via Football Italia):

"

I've heard, but at the moment there's nothing to speak about, just rumours. We have to speak with Lazio and [President] Lotito, they'll decide if the player will leave in January. I'll be in Italy next week, so we'll see.

Is he happy at Lazio? Yes, I'd say he's happy in Italy in general. Would he like to work with Inter Coach Roberto Mancini? I can't talk about that, I'll say something when there's something concrete, at the moment there's nothing.

"

Manchester United have already made significant additions in central midfield under the reign of manager Louis van Gaal, bringing in Daley Blind, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Ander Herrera since last summer.

Biglia's defensive nature means he doesn't tend to grab the headlines at the Stadio Olimpico, but Di Marzio translator David Amoyal has nevertheless dubbed him an underrated asset:

The Red Devils may need to start casting one eye towards the future in their recruitment, with injury-ravaged Michael Carrick possibly edging towards the exit. However, set to turn 30 in January, Biglia doesn't look like the most forward-thinking of investments.

Among Van Gaal's current crop, Blind and Schneiderlin appear the most capable in assuming a holding role for United, but the former is enjoying his spell at centre-back and may not revert to midfield anytime soon.

Cambridge mentioned in his report that Biglia is looking for a wage worth £2.2 million per year—working out at a little less than £45,000 a week—but Lazio were only willing to go as far as £1.8 million annual salary.

It's also reported Lazio sporting director Igli Tare is pushing ahead in the hunt to find Biglia's replacement, suggesting the club could be open to the idea of losing the South American in January.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Meanwhile, United have reportedly fallen behind Liverpool in the chase for Schalke sensation Sane after the Merseysiders already saw a bid for the teenage attacker turned down.

That's according to German newspaper Bild, which added Jurgen Klopp's side are prepared to return with a second offer worth £10.5 million (h/t Daily Star's Colin Harvey). Sane made his senior Germany debut against France earlier in November and has earned the praise of international manager Joachim Low, per Squawka:

Klopp might have a slight edge over Van Gaal in that his knowledge of the Bundesliga is more recent considering he left Borussia Dortmund just this year, but the United boss has German contacts of his own.

The ex-Bayern Munich helmsman may look to exploit those connections as he pushes ahead with a move for one of Europe's most exciting young stars, but Liverpool are reportedly leading the way.