Just the man to add some steel to United’s midfield
With everyone and their mother have linked to big money moves to Manchester United this summer, a surprise bargain signing could yet emerge as Louis van Gaal’s shrewdest bit of business. Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could reunite with former Bayern boss Van Gaal, and with just one year left on his contract, the Germany star could be a United player for as little as £7.5million, although the 31-year-old wouldn’t be the first to use a top Premier League club as leverage for a new deal at the Bundesliga champs. (Sunday People)
Across Manchester, City officials look ready to cave in when it comes to Liverpool’s resolute £50million asking price for Raheem Sterling. The club have already failed with packages worth £30m and £40m, but are prepared to bite the bullet and pay full price for the England forward. Liverpool will then invest more than half that windfall on a pair of £15million moves for Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne and Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino. (Sunday Express)
Liverpool are also scouring Europe for a striker having decided Christian Benteke’s £32.5million price tag was too steep, and have got their eye on either Fernando Llorente or Carlos Bacca. Both would add a touch of goal menace to the Reds’ attack, but at 30 and 28 respectively they do not reflect the preferred transfer policy of owners FSG. Llorente looks set to move on from Juventus after they signed Mario Mandzukic and could be had for £12million, while Colombia hitman Bacca (above) would cost nearly double after starring for Europa League winners Sevilla. (Telegraph)
Both Chelsea and Manchester City are chasing Barcelona midfielder Alex Song. The former Arsenal man spent last season on loan at West Ham, and the Catalan side could let the 27-year-old Cameroon man go for a bargain £5million. (Telegraph/Sky Sports)
Southampton look set to be beaten to the permanent signing of Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, with Spurs now in the driving seat for the classy central defender. (Sunday Times)
