Manchester United are bossing the transfer gossip pages before the window even opens and today is no different with a number of players being linked with the Red Devils, a likely departure and an unwanted returner.
Real’s loss looks very much to be United’s gain with Gareth Bale‘s return to the Premier League almost complete.
Sunday Express reporter John Richardson told MUTV: “I think it’s almost a done deal to be honest. I know somebody very close to Gareth Bale and the public are not hearing the real thing. He’s very unhappy there and he’s unhappy with his treatment.”
The fee for the frustrated Madrid forward could be upwards of €100 million with wages of over €400,000 a week.
It’s also being reported today that Louis van Gaal will make a significant bid for Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi this summer.
The centre-back is high on LvG’s wishlist, alongside Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
United saw an offer for the 27-year-old Argentine turned down in January but that will not prevent them from returning with another approach when the transfer window opens.
In less exciting news for fans of the Red Devils, the fact that van Gaal has targeted a replacement for David de Gea will not come as music to supporters’ ears.
The Mirror report that United have made Stoke’s Asmir Begovic the man that the want to fill the gloves of their current number one whose move to Real Madrid looks increasingly probable.
Spurs’ Hugo Lloris was initially singled out as the preferred replacement but those in charge of the Old Trafford wallet feel that the €34 million-rated Frenchman is too pricey and that they could get Begovic for around €11 million.
The Bosnian has been on United’s radar for a number of years now and Stoke reportedly feel that it is the perfect time to cash in on him, believing that reserve keeper Jack Butland is finally ready to step up to first choice.
The final bit of United news comes in the form of Nani, remember him?
The Portuguese winger is currently finishing out a loan move with Sporting and it appears as though he could be about to become a massive thorn in van Gaal’s backside as the club are forced to bring him back into their set-up next season.
Nani’s €150,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford runs until 2018 and the wages are seen as a massive stumbling block for any potential suitors.
And with United unlikely to be willing to subsidise another loan deal next season, Nani looks to be a ludicrously expensive benchwarmer for the Red Devils next season and could end up costing United up to €23 million according to The Telegraph.
Away from Manchester United, Liverpool have been handed a boost for the future as their latest contract rebel Jordon Ibe has gone and committed himself to the Merseysiders.
The 19-year-old winger has signed on for five more years at Anfield which will come as something of a relief for Brendan Rodgers whose plans Ibe features prominently in.
An official announcement on the contract agreement is expected after the Reds’ final home game of the season this weekend.
In terms of arrivals at Anfield, Liverpool fans could be set for a Southampton reunion in their back four as The Mirror claim that the Brodge is interested in current Saints defender Jose Fonte.
With Kolo Toure a likely departure and Martin Skrtel yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, Rodgers is looking for defensive reinforcements and wants to bring Fonte together with former teammate Dejan Lovren.
The Portuguese centre-back is contracted to Southampton until 2017 but it’s rumoured that Ronald Koeman would be willing to part with him for the right price.
The final bit of transfer news comes from Arsenal who are reportedly interested in bringing Bayern Munich struggler Mario Gotze to the Emirates.
The German World Cup winner has been made something of a scapegoat at the Allianz Arena and Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem too keen on what he can bring to his side.
The 22-year-old could go for around €40 million which is seen as a bit of a bargain considering his age and the potential that was being heaped on him before this poor season.
The Gunners will face stiff competition for the player who is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United. (Daily Express)
