Room for any more midfielders at Old Trafford?
This much we know – United are in pole position to tie up the £22m transfer of Barcelona midfielder-cum-forward Pedro Rodriguez.
We also know this – Louis van Gaal loves midfielders.
The Dutchman will be interested to hear that Schalke are now open to an “astronomical offer” for their star midfielder, Julian Draxler.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked to Arsenal – another midfielder-heavy title contender – in the past so Schalke’s shift on his availability is sure to induce a call or two from London, and Manchester. [Daily Star]
To free up a bit of space in the United dressing room, van Gaal is open to the idea of Adnan Januzaj going on loan for a season.
The Belgian winger had fleeting pre-season appearances for United and may be convinced that his best option is to prove himself at another Premier League club. As they were last week, when a loan move was first mooted, Sunderland are top of the queue. [Sunderland Echo]
‘Whatever happened to Barcelona’s promising, 19-year-old midfielder Adama Traore?’ I hear one of you ask.
The winger was in England, last week, to hold talks with three Premier League clubs about a move to England. While Liverpool wanted to bring Traore in on a loan deal and Stoke expressed an interest, Aston Villa now appear favourites to get his autograph on a contract.
Tim Sherwood’s side are willing to stump up £12m to get the Spanish teenager to Birmingham. [Daily Mail]
Fabio Borini has taken the year-long hint. The Italian striker was effectively frozen out by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers last season.
Borini turned down a Sunderland switch in 2014 but now accepts his career at Anfield is over. Fiorentina are on the scene, however, to dry his tears. [Liverpool Echo]
Finally, in the world(s) of tidy midfielders, Jose Mourinho is hoping Ramires will rebuff interest from Juventus while Liverpool are open to offers for Lucas Leiva. [talkSPORT & Sky Sports]
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