Transfer gossip: Manchester United to rocket season’s spending past £200m

Phase Two of Operation Champions League Qualification: Buy some defenders

It would seem Louis van Gaal is not content with defensive stalwarts* Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw as he plots a return to the Champions League. In order to return to the money-spinning European competition (estimated to earn a club between £50-85m dependant on their progression into the knock-out stages), United are throwing another £60m at the problem. Van Gaal has already splashed £145.6m of United's readies and assembled the greatest attacking quintet seen since the Trafford Centre opened in 1998. Now, the Dutchman is on the look-out for defenders. Mat Hummels of Borussia Dortmund has long been courted but will, most likely, not be prised away from Germany until the season's end. United, then, have turned their attention to £30m rated (by his club, no doubt) PSG defender Marquinhos, according to Metro. Actually, while he's at it, The Guardian report that van Gaal will locate another £30m to bring in Palermo striker Paulo Dybala. The Italian club claim they have rejected initial advances but the fact that they are bleating about it demonstrates some willingness to cash in. If Dortmund supporters on this side of Europe thought they could relax - following the Hummels, no-go reports - they would be well advised to steer clear of The Daily Star. The tabloid runs with the tale, today, of a £63m Arsenal raid that could bag the Londoners midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and... Hummels. No rest for the talented. We leave you with the latest in the latest story of a centre-midfielder linked with the soon to be Steven Gerrard-less Liverpool. West Ham thought they were onto a winner with Alex Song but, Talksport report, Liverpool are lining him up for a permanent summer switch from Catalan climes. While the wallet is open, The Express reveal, Brendan Rodgers will take a trip to Bruge and pick up 22-year-old Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan. *Rojo and Shaw have missed 57% of United's matches this season.