Manchester United Transfer News: Marcelo Brozovic, Mirko Antonucci, Top Rumours

Manchester United's chances of a winter move for Arsenal target Marcelo Brozovic have plummeted after his agent, Miroslav Bicanic, said the player "is happy at Inter," but hopes of landing Roma starlet Mirko Antonucci look a lot brighter.

Bicanic suggested Brozovic won't be leaving the San Siro this month after he told Italian outlet Calciomercato the midfielder won't look for a departure unless the club agree to a sale (h/t talkSPORT):

"

Premier League clubs know him very well, they believe he can improve a lot in the next few years. They also know he's not cheap though. Marcelo is happy at Inter, he's playing well, the fans love him and everyone at the club believes in him. Milan is fantastic.

So we'll only think of a transfer if Inter give the green light. Until then, he's focused on Inter matches, and how to get the best possible results this season.

"

Brozovic is approaching the end of an 18-month loan spell from Dinamo Zagreb at Inter, but the Serie A titans are obligated to purchase his signature, leading to speculation of another sale.

According to Calciomercato, the Nerazzurri have agreed a purchase of just €8 million (£6 million) for the 23-year-old, but a January sale could see the club net a quick profit:

TalkSPORT claimed Manchester United and Arsenal scouted the Croatia international during his days at Dinamo Zagreb, and his progress in the Italian top flight is likely to have only increased interest in his name.

Brozovic has racked up 14 Serie A appearances for Inter so far this season and has improved his reputation within the squad, leading manager Roberto Mancini to issue a hands-off warning in January, per Football Italia:

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Brozovic is integrating really well. I think if he were to continue like this he would become one of the best ever. We don’t want to sell him, even in the face of a great offer. He must work, but he has incredible quality. No one has asked to be sold. For the moment, everything remains as it is.

"

United already added to their midfield with the signings of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin last summer, but an injury crisis at Old Trafford this season may force the Red Devils to invest further.

Another Serie A-based recruit on United's radar is Antonucci, the 16-year-old Roma youngster who's reported to be drawing interest from United, Real Madrid and Liverpool, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Metro's Tom Olver).

Antonucci is yet to make his senior debut for the Giallorossi, but the forward has featured for Italy's under-17 side and is being eyed after signing his first professional contract last March, which runs until 2017.

A more wrapped-and-ready target for the Red Devils to pursue this year would be Real Madrid whiz Gareth Bale, whom former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged his old club to sign, per Metro's Sean Kearns: 

"

You’ve got to be realistic but the team needs more pace. You’re looking at people like Bale. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and people like that are not realistic.

But someone like Bale, you’d like to test the water and see if you can get him back because the Premier League needs someone like that. All the best players in the world aren’t playing in the Premier League.

"

One might question why Bale would want a move to Old Trafford after netting a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna last Saturday, Zinedine Zidane's first game in charge of the club, while United drew 3-3 at Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Ferdinand is correct in that the world's utmost elite do appear drawn to the climate of Spain and other European hot spots, but that doesn't seem likely to change unless England can reclaim its former standing.