New season, new-look attack.
Manchester United are two transfers away from tying up their summer transfer business and one move is dangerously close to completion.
Louis van Gaal wants Barcelona’s Pedro to complete his attacking options. The Telegraph report that the Spanish international is keen on the move after being assured he will play a key role at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal will start the new season with Pedro on the right side of his front three. He will take up a right-sided berth, with Memphis Depay on the left and Wayne Rooney leading the line.
To sweeten the deal – with United willing to meet the £22m release clause in Pedro’s contract – he will be offered the recently vacated No.7 jersey. It is a jersey that he donned for many years at Barca.
It did wonders for Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Angel di Maria? Not so much.
Kevin de Bruyne has been getting linked to Manchester City for the past fortnight but The Mirror now claim Wolfsburg are willing to let the winger go… for £50m.
After splurging £49m on Raheem Sterling, can City outlay that much for the Belgian without alerting the occasionally interested UEFA? Our guess is ‘yes’.
Bild report that Augsburg and Chelsea have agreed terms and left-back Abdul Rahman Baba will officially be unveiled as at Stamford Bridge later in the week.
Liverpool’s chief executive, Ian Ayre told Sky Sports, on Tuesday, that his club had achieved all their transfer targets. Well, they may get a bonus signing before the season starts. L’Equipe say Lyon are now willing to part ways with striker Alexandre Lacazette. Liverpool would have to stump up £24m to get the 24-year-old though.
He is a big Fantasy Football favourite and the Southampton fans are fond of him. Victor Wanyama also gets the job done in centre midfield. To that end, the Saints are going to offer the former Celtic midfielder a new and improved contract to ward off interest from the Premier League big boys [Daily Mail]
Back to Manchester United and Javier Hernandez has two Premier League options. It will come in handy after van Gaal tells him he is surplus to requirements.
West Ham are willing to meet United’s £12m asking price but Hernandez would prefer a switch to Tottenham. Only problem is, Spurs are being Silas Marner-esque with their money. [London Standard and Daily Star]
