No prizes for guessing the players deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Manchester United stalwarts Robin van Persie and Rafael both look to among those not in Louis van Gaal’s plans going forward, as the club are reportedly in the process of buying a new striker and right-back.
According to The Sun, Van Gaal wants Mario Mandzukic to lead the line for United next season, and has identified the Croatian as his number one target. Madzukic only joined Atletico Madrid from Bayern Munich last summer, but United are prepared to offer £18.5m for the 29 year old.
Mandzukic scored 20 goals in 42 games for Atletico last season.
United are also looking for a new right back and have long been linked with Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne. However, The Daily Mail have reported that PSG defender Gregory van der Wiel is available at a cut price fee and has been offered to United.
The 27 year old Dutch defender has a year left on his contract at PSG, and is available for £7 million. Van der Wiel is exactly the type of attacking full-back, comfortable in possession, that Van Gaal wants to sign, and the cut price deal may encourage United to snap the player up.
Another player who could be on his way to Manchester is Kevin De Bruyne. The Wolfsburg, and former Chelsea winger is wanted by Manchester City, and Sky Sports have reported that the club has held ‘informal’ talks with the player’s agent.
De Bruyne was named Bundesliga player of the season, after a fantastic season where he scored 10 goals, and registered 21 assists, leading his side to second place in the league.
The Belgian was deemed not good enough for Chelsea by Jose Mourinho, but could now cost City close to £50 million.
In non-Manchester transfer news, Everton are, according to The Independent, looking to sign Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann. The English defender was Palace’s player of the season and Everton need cover at centre half after letting Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz leave the club.
What a time to be alive.
