Louis van Gaal is changing his story again
Or maybe he is just clarifying the matter? Either way, the Dutchman has moved to calm the buzz created by the previous day’s statement that his surprise new signing was ‘not the striker that the media has written’ by saying he’s not in the market for a striker at all.
After Manchester United beat San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 in last night’s preseason friendly, Van Gaal told the press:
“I don’t know if I want to buy a striker. I have read in the media that the striker is a surprise. No. That is not what I said. I mean something else.”
In the end this could all be semantics based on how wide your definition of a ‘striker’ is, with United still begin heavily linked with moves for Thomas Muller, Pedro and, as of today, Juventus man Fernando Llorente.
Neither Muller or Pedro is an out-an-out frontman but would add plenty of punch to United’s forward line, and German daily Bild has this morning reported that an enormous €100million offer for Bayern Munich star Muller had been made.
https://twitter.com/Mr_Bundesliga/status/623717070535004160
Meanwhile, the ongoing battle with Real Madrid over the futures of David de Gea and Sergio Ramos is continuing, with United telling the Spanish giants that they would be prepared to do a swap deal that would see the defender and goalkeeper Keylor Navas move to Old Trafford in exchange for De Gea. Either that or the tidy sum of £28million will get the job done. (Marca)
Away from Old Trafford, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is not giving up on his crusade to bring John Stones to London. Everton have dug their heels in and maintain the player is not for sale, and Mourinho, who has already had a £20million offer rejected by the Toffees, has admitted he may have to break the British transfer record of £32million for a defender to capture the England centre-back. “That is the market. And you only pay it if you want. If you don’t want to pay it, don’t pay. It’s as simple as that.” (Mail)
With Christian Benteke expected to finalise his move to Liverpool today, the club have hung the For Sale signs around the necks of Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini. West Brom are interested in a £3million deal for Lambert, while Borini could fetch at least double that if West Ham firm up their interest. (Independent)
Sad news for Leicester City supporters, as Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has opted not to renew his contract. The veteran was an inspired signing last summer as he became the key figure in their late charge to Premier League survival. West Ham could be next for the 35-year-old. (Mirror)
Finally, the day’s most fanciful transfer rumour surely belongs to the Daily Express, who suggest Liverpool are ‘on red alert’ after club legend Xabi Alonso told reporters he had yet to decide where his future lies after his contract expires at Bayern Munich.
The 33-year-old Spaniard has 12 months remaining on a two-year deal he signed after leaving Real Madrid and with the German champions preparing for a preseason match against Inter Milan, Alonso refused to discuss his long-term plans.
“My contract? We will see what happens. This is not the time to discuss this subject,” he said.
If you can’t see the subliminal message there, then let us translate – “My contract? I already know what will happen. I will be joining Liverpool of course. Maybe even next week.”
At least that’s what we think the Express read.
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