Manchester United dominate today’s transfer gossip…for a change.
Louis Van Gaal, Ed Woodward and Manchester United seemingly have a master plan to solve the club’s current chronic injury list. They’re going to, wait for it… sign an injured player at the end of the season.
Despite having 12 players currently on the sidelines, United will not be looking to ease their problems in the January transfer window but, according to TalkSport, will wait until next summer to sign Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman. The Roma player injured his knee last March, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, forcing him to miss the World Cup and he has yet to feature this season.
Strootman has been repeatedly linked with a move to United, however Dutch journalist Hugo Borst has said his compatriot has in fact ‘shaken hands’ on a transfer to the Premier League side. Borst revealed the move, worth potentially €30 million, was made before Van Gaal even arrived at the club. ‘In the spring of 2014 there was a match between PSV and Feyenoord. Robin van Persie was in the stands, along with Louis van Gaal. On the other side was Kevin Strootman. Van Gaal asked Strootman whether he was interested in playing for Manchester United, and he said he was very willing. They have shaken hands on the deal’.
‘It won’t be in January but it will be next summer’. So there you are United fans, relax, there’s nothing to worry about.
In other Manchester United transfer news, (is there any other kind?), the club are been linked with a January move for unsettled Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen. The centre-half is reportedly frustrated with his lack of first-team chances this season, while his manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is said to be unhappy with Vertonghen’s attitude. The move could cost United in the region of €25 million. (The Mirror)
AC Milan and Arsenal are set to fight it out for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech according to The Daily Star. Cech lost his position to Thibaut Courtois after ten years as the club’s first choice keeper, making just five appearances this season. The 32 year old is on the wanted list of a number of top European clubs, but his glittering Chelsea career looks to be nearing an end. ‘If I was in that situation where I didn’t play a lot, then I would leave too’, Courtois said when asked about Cech’s current situation. Ouch.
Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has signed a pre-contract with Bayern Munich. The German international has reportedly agreed terms with the Bundesliga champions to move when his contract expires at the end of the season. Khedira was touted as a target for Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea, however his wage demands has apparently dissuaded the Gunners from following up their initial interest. But, no need to worry Arsenal fans, there’s still Abou Diaby. (The Independent)
