Today’s transfer gossip columns make for enjoyable reading if you’re a United fan.
With de Gea’s transfer to Real Madrid looking all but a certainty, it appears as though the Red Devils will need a new number one next season.
One of the goalkeeper’s that has been perpetually linked with a move to Old Trafford is Spurs’ Hugo Lloris. The French international dropped major hints to the Sun that he would be open to signing for Manchester United, but only if de Gea is out of the picture.
He cited the prospect of Champions League football as the main incentive for joining United.
“I think every player wants to play in the Champions League because it is the highest level. We work for that and I hope to play Champions League football again.”
“For the moment there is a goalkeeper at United and we are watchful of his situation. You have to keep a certain calm with all this.”
“If things should happen then they’ll happen naturally.”
United also received a huge boost in the hunt to sign Ilkay Gundogan with Barcelona reportedly being put off by the player’s wage demands.
It was reported that Barca representatives were flown to Spain earlier this week to meet with the Dortmund star in an effort to seal his move to Camp Nou.
However, according to Turkish outlet DHA, the player is seeking £170,000-a-week contract, which is apparently £60,000-a-week north of what the Catalans are willing to offer. If United are willing to back up their interest in the midfielder with cash, they could well snap up the midfield maestro.
Reports in Italy suggest Arsenal are readying a shock bid for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swede is reportedly fed up with Parisian life, and Arsene Wenger is keeping a close eye on his movements.
Despite being one of the most famous footballers on the planet, Zlatan could be available for as little as £11 million. Although at such a low price, the Gunners will have to slug it out with several other clubs to secure his signature.
West Brom are getting close to landing Real Madrid midfielder Cristian Benavente, according to the Daily Mail.
The 21-year-old playmaker has had a string of impressive performances for Real Madrid B, but he apparently wants out of the Bernabeu after being left out of Peru’s Copa America squad,
The ‘Peruvian Ronaldinho’, could go for the low, low price of £3.5million, which would be right in West Brom’s price range.
Finally, Rafa Benitez wants Real Madrid to re-sign Alvaro Morata less than a year after the club sold him to Juventus, claim Spanish outlet AS.
The Spanish club apparently inserted a buyback option when they offloaded the striker to the Serie A, which is valid for the next two summer windows. AS are reporting that Benitez wants Real to activate this clause, which would set Madrid back €30m to sign him this summer, which would increase to €35m if they waited until 2016 to re-sign him.
