Man United reignite Bale pursuit
The winter window gets closer with each passing day and the transfer rumour mill is starting to pick up steam. As always, Transfer Talk has the latest and greatest. See all the summer deals here.
TOP STORY: United want Bale to solve goal crisis
Louis van Gaal is in a difficult position after seeing his Manchester United side go goalless for the third game in a week. The Dutch coach has been crying out for an injection of pace up front, and it seems he may well reignite his interest in Real Madrid’s world-record signing Gareth Bale.
The Mirror reports that despite United and Madrid’s relationship being at an all-time low following David De Gea’s failed move to the Bernabeu, United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward “believes he can still do business with the Spanish giants despite the fall-out over De Gea’s aborted move.”
The paper suggests that if United cannot lure Madrid into selling the Wales star for £90 million in January, they will instead make the 26-year-old their No. 1 priority next summer — particularly considering that Bale “isn’t seen as having the same cache and global profile as [Cristiano] Ronaldo.”
Manchester ‘war’ for Belgian starlet
Manchester City made waves in the summer transfer window by landing Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne, and the Star reports the Premier League leaders are determined to land one of his promising compatriots in Youri Tielemans.
The main problem for City? Rivals Manchester United are also interested in the 18-year-old Anderlecht midfielder, which could spark a “transfer window war” between the two clubs this January.
Tielemans is also a reported target for Chelsea, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, so there is no guarantee he’ll end up in Manchester. Still, the battle seems to have well and truly commenced for yet another one of Europe’s most promising talents.
Daily Star Sunday back page: Mour Roar + Manc War #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #cfc #mufc #mcfc pic.twitter.com/nuyv3fHbau
– Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) October 31, 2015
Foxes slap price tag on Vardy
Jamie Vardy joined an illustrious club Saturday after netting in eight consecutive Premier League games to help Leicester City overcome West Brom. The 28-year-old forward has even been linked with Real Madrid after his superb performances this season, though the Foxes are determined not to lose their star man on the cheap.
The Star reports that Tottenham, Liverpool, West Brom and Borussia Dortmund are all interested in Vardy, but Leicester will not let him go for less than £15 million — a tidy price given the player’s age and lack of top-flight experience.
United to land Anderson & Van de Beek?
More Manchester United transfer rumours, you say? With the Red Devils’ current form, we can’t exactly help it. United have been linked with Lazio star Felipe Anderson in recent weeks, and the Mirror reports Van Gaal is ready to launch a £40 million bid for the 22-year-old Brazilian “after learning that Bayern Munich are also in the running for the attacking midfielder.”
United showed with Anthony Martial they will pay out high and early to land the best European talent, and Bayern’s reported valuation of £35 million could tip the odds in Van Gaal’s favour.
Meanwhile, the Mirror also reports that United are interested in adding Ajax starlet Donny van de Beek — no, not of Dawson’s Creek fame — to their ranks after receiving “excellent feedback” from scouts about the Netherlands under-19 midfielder.
Spurs ward off Eriksen suitors
Christian Eriksen may have a tough decision to make in the coming months. Tottenham have a strong chance of a top-four finish given Chelsea’s current woes, and the Mirror reports Spurs are preparing a new four-year deal for their chief midfield creator to ward off rival clubs.
The 23-year-old has proven his ability in the Premier League since an £11 million move from Ajax in 2013, and Spurs are reportedly keen to avoid the Denmark star entering the final two years of his current deal with his future unresolved.
The paper reports that “talks are likely to start soon about extending his stay,” which will be music to the ears of Spurs fans.
Isco issues Madrid ultimatum
After scoring in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday, Isco has given the club a timely reminder he will not be a mere stand-in while more established players are out injured.
When asked about his favoured position, the 23-year-old midfielder told Marca that fighting talk will surely alert the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal — both of whom have been linked with the Spain international in the past — but it’s odds-on that Rafa Benitez will have been listening keenly to one of the club’s most promising young players.
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