Manchester United transfer news: Real Madrid believe Nicolas Otamendi 'has already agreed to join'
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ByEurosport
Updated 09/07/2015 at 09:49 GMT
Real Madrid appear to have confirmed that Nicolas Otamendi is indeed joining Manchester United from Valencia.
Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi
Image credit: AFP
Spanish publication AS report that Real coach Rafa Benitez will replace outgoing Sergio Ramos with Ezequiel Garay, with the 28-year-old only top of his shopping list because Los Blancos are convinced Otamendi has already made his mind up.
The claim, combined with prior reports that Ramos himself is United-bound, suggests Louis van Gaal could be close to securing a massive double swoop to fix his defensive line for the 2015/16 season.
OUR VIEW
If United can recruit both Otamendi and Ramos, with right-back Matteo Darmian also on his way, perhaps Louis van Gaal will be able to challenge for the title after all this season. They finished rather high up the table in 14/15 despite being beyond a joke at the back. Adding this sort of established steel to the side could be just what the Red Devils needed to mount their first serious crack since winning the league in 2013.
July 8
Confusion surrounds an extraordinary report from Spain today which suggests Manchester United are back in for Gareth Bale with a monster bid.
Bale has been linked with a return to England with the Red Devils all summer but in recent days that interest appeared to have cooled, with United focusing on other, more affordable targets.
The Welshman cost Real a world record fee of €100 million (£85.3m) in 2013 and the club would want to see all of that back, and then some, if they were to entertain the thought of letting him go after two seasons.
However a fresh report has emerged from respected Spanish outlet COPE which suggests United are serious this time about recruiting the winger and have tabled a massive £99.5m offer, which would eclipse the world record Bale already holds.
Bale has been subject to criticism and even abuse from Real Madrid fans over his performances since arriving at the Bernabeu, with many feeling the standout showings he does deliver aren't occurring on a consistent enough basis.
OUR VIEW
To be honest, only the fact that this report comes from COPE - who do have a decent track record - gives us any reason at all to take this even remotely seriously. The story appeared done to death and perhaps even to have come from thin air earlier this summer, and it's still very hard to see this happening.
Perhaps United really did make that offer. If so, it's likely Real Madrid told them where to go, and that's that.
We're sure United will deliver some groundbreaking transfer news in this window and spend some serious cash - but not here.
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Real-Star Gareth Bale
Image credit: Getty Images
July 7
Robin van Persie is on the verge of completing his move from Manchester United to Fenerbahce, according to media reports in Turkey.
Van Persie, 31, has apparently agreed personal terms and will sign a four-year contract with Fener once a transfer fee between the clubs is finalist.
Van Persie will join his fellow United team-mate Nani at the Istanbul club is a deal is completed.
“I know him well we are good friends so if the club signs him it will be a great choice," said Nani while he was being paraded by Fener.
OUR VIEW
Looks like Van Persie is heading for pastures new. It is a bit of a low-key departure for a figure who arrived at Old Trafford to much fanfare from Arsenal for around £23 million in 2012. United need goals, and it seems now is a sensible time to move on a figure who scored 10 goals in 29 matches last season after suffering an ankle injury with Louis van Gaal's side lacking the required consistency to challenge Chelsea for the title.
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Matteo Darmian
Image credit: Eurosport
July 6
Manchester United could let Brazilian right-back Rafael leave this week if they can agree a deal for Italian international Matteo Darmian.
Torino president Urbano Cairo says the club have received three offers for Italy international full-back Matteo Darmian and has now set the interested parties a deadline of Sunday to complete the deal.
"Everyone who comes to the pre-season training camp will remain with us for the rest of the season," Cairo told La Stampa.
"Sunday will be the deadline. Three offers have arrived for Darmian, but out of respect for the clubs who have made them, I won’t reveal who they are."
Manchester United are thought to be one of the teams in for the 25-year-old, who made his international debut against England in the 2-1 World Cup win.
Should a deal be agreed, current right-back Rafael could be allowed to go with Galatasaray very interested in doing a deal.
The 24-year-old, who turns 25 on Thursday, only managed 10 Premier League appearances last season and does not appear to have a long-term future at the club.
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Rafael celebrates his goal against QPR
Image credit: Eurosport
OUR VIEW
If United can replace Rafael with Darmian over the next week it would have to go down as impressive work by the club. Darmian is just six months older than the Brazilian but looks a more rounded defender who can also do a capable job on the left. Some fans will be sad to see Rafael go but it's clear that Louis van Gaal does not see him as a first-choice option and it's time for a parting of ways.
SUNDAY 5TH JULY
David De Gea has revealed that he will be at Manchester United pre-season training on Monday.
Real Madrid have been widely expected to complete a deal for the Spanish international goalkeeper for some time now, bringing his four-year spell in the Premier League to an end.
After an unconvincing start to life at Old Trafford, de Gea has progressed dramatically - winning the Manchester United player of the year award for two consecutive seasons and becoming one of best goalkeepers in the world.
However, when asked about his future by Spanish TV channel Cuatro, De Gea would only confirm that he would be attending pre-season training.
“Real Madrid? I have to return to Manchester for pre-season,” said De Gea when questioned by the TV station.
Asked of he would be at Carrington on Monday he replied: "Of course. That's where I train."
United begin their United States for their pre-season tour on July 18 and face Barcelona a week later.
Madrid and United are said to currently be haggling over a fee for a player who has one year left on his current deal at United.
The Old Trafford club are also reportedly interested in bringing Sergio Ramos as part of the deal that would see De Gea go in the opposite direction.
OUR VIEW
A very diplomatic response from the Spanish goalkeeper. However, it's hard to know what else he would say with a microphone thrust in his face. The fact is he remains a Manchester United player and his willingness to train is indicative of a player who has kept a dignified silence this summer. However, none of that affects the fact that he does want to move to the Bernabeu club - a move that will most likely go through when United and Madrid trash out a mutually beneficial deal. De Gea, of course, is in a position of significant bargaining power considering that he has only one year left on his contract. It seems almost a foregone conclusion that he will move to Madrid and it looks like a case of when: this summer or next.
JULY 4th
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Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie plays the ball during the English Premier League football match between Swansea and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on February 21, 2015
Image credit: AFP
Robin van Persie looks set to leave Manchester United after he agreed terms with Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to a report.
The Guardian claim that Van Persie’s agent, Kees Vos, has been in Istanbul for the last few days to trash out personal terms even though the two clubs are yet to agree a deal.
It had been previously reported that Van Persie had been touted around the Turkish Super Lig in January.
"United had sent people to test the water for a move," former Feyenoord star Pierre Van Hoojidonk told the Daily Mirror.
Van Persie’s wife was initially said to have reservations about the proposed switch, but, having spent some time in the Turkish capital, has warmed to the idea, adds the report.
OUR VIEW
What an inauspicious end to what had promised to be a storied United career. The arrival of Louis van Gaal at the time seen as a considerable fillip to Van Persie who had faded under David Moyes having made an explosive start to his United career.
However, that has not proved to be the case, and, if anything, Van Persie’s struggles have intensified under his Dutch counterpart. A move away from Old Trafford could provide the fresh start required.
Where does this leave United though? They have signed Memphis Depay who scored freely in Holland but would not be described as an out-and-out striker. United are left with Wayne Rooney and James Wilson so expect further movement in the transfer window.
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3RD JULY 2015
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Football - Everton v Tottenham Hotspur - Barclays Premier League - Seamus Coleman Goodison Park - 24/5/15
Image credit: Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly set to use Jonny Evans as a makeweight in an effort to sign Everton’s Seamus Coleman.
Manager Louis van Gaal wants the right-back after missing out on Dani Alves and Nathaniel Clyne.
Everton insist the 26-year-old is not for sale but, according to the Daily Star, United are said to be hopeful of snaring Coleman by setting up a cash offer plus Evans.
The Northern Ireland defender is entering the last year of his deal and has not been offered a new one.
He has seen young defensive rivals Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett all sign new contracts in recent months.
OUR VIEW
This move has been rumoured for a while. It does seem like a good fit as United hardly have strength in depth in the right-back position – Antonio Valencia’s defensive frailties were shown up there last season – but it seems unlikely that this move would be sealed now. Coleman seems happy at Everton and has been in exceptional form under Roberto Martinez. A transfer would be a risk, even if it is to United.
Love Manchester United? Connect with fans at Manchester United Forum on Facebook and manutdforum.org. .
JULY 2nd 2015
United and Arsenal have appeared to be in a two-club battle to sign the 25-year-old Frenchman, but Ferdinand clearly thinks his former club are poised to come out on top.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has claimed that the club have yet to receive a “serious offer” for the midfielder, but that he is likely to be allowed to leave for the right price.
Ferdinand believes that a move is imminent and said on his Youtube channel: “£20-something million, it looks like it’s going to be done.
“He’s a player who could add something to United, a bit of steel, can pass the ball and play it through the lines from back to front.
“I think he’s a good player, a good addition to the squad, especially if someone like [Michael] Carrick, who is so influential for United, gets injured.
“I think this guy can step in and help buffer that. I think he’s a very good, talented player.”
OUR VIEW
It's a crowd-pleasing line from Ferdinand regarding his former club, but he could easily know something from his links at Old Trafford so it is not something to be dismissed entirely. It appears certain that Schneiderlin will depart Southampton this summer and United seem to have forced their way ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign the Frenchman. We expect this deal to be concluded within the next week with United coming out on top.
JULY 1st 2015
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is a transfer target for Besiktas, a board member of the Turkish club has confirmed.
Van Persie is believed to want to stay at Old Trafford and his large wages could prove a stumbling block in this potential move
But Yalcin Kaya Yilmaz told HaberTürk that he was still optimistic that a deal could be done for the Dutchman.
“If the conditions are right and if he also wants to come we are willing to make an offer even if it would push us to the limit financially,” he said.
“He would really get the crowd going at the Arena and sales from season tickets and merchandise alone would be able to make back our investment.”
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce sporting director Guilliano Terraneo has reportedly travelled to Portugal to finalise a deal with the agent of United’s out of favour winger Nani.
OUR VIEW
Van Persie was a shell of his former self last season, looking sluggish and short of confidence. It was a sharp and surprising decline considering his excellent World Cup performances for the Netherlands under Van Gaal. Even with Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez seemingly certain to leave Old Trafford, it is hard to see Van Persie re-establishing himself. This looks like a sensible move all round - Besiktas get a big-name signing, Van Persie gets a decent contract and United get shot of a man on the downslope of his career.
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JUNE 30th 2015
SERGIO RAMOS' MUM GETS INVOLVED
The Sergio Ramos saga took a surprise twist with the player’s mum suggesting he was happy to stay at Real Madrid despite a bid from Manchester United.
Paqui Garcia opened up after being tracked down by reporters in her car.
Ramos has been linked with a switch to Manchester United in recent weeks, but his mum’s comments poured cold water on that suggestion.
It had all started so well as she swatted away questions with the line: "I can't tell you anything, I'm in a hurry, I have to go now."
But she reportedly revealed detail as journalists from El Chiringuito TV kept probing.
"Do you think he'd like to stay at Real Madrid?" the reporter asked.
"Absolutely," said Paqui. "At Madrid above all else.
"And Manchester?" came the next question.
"No," said the player's mother, with a scowl. "I don't think so.
"He loves Spain."
OUR VIEW
It's hard to know quite what to make of a middle aged woman being ambushed by a TV crew in this manner. Would Ramos have told her everything that is going on with his transfer? Possibly, but possibly not. Yet there is something refreshingly naive about her responses which makes us wonder if there is some truth in this - particularly in her initial attempts to deflect the line of questioning.Ben.
And there's another aspect: given the success of Dani Alves in pretending to want to leave Barcelona in order to land a nice new contract, plenty of people suspect Ramos of doing the same thing. Indeed, the results of the poll we've been running today suggest that nearly 60% of you think that he has no intention of going anywhere - except to the bank, laughing, when he lands a hefty new pay deal.
One thing is for sure: when a player's mother starts getting grabbed by reporters as she's off to do her shopping, you know a transfer has reached fever pitch.
Does Sergio Ramos REALLY want to quit Real Madrid?
THE END OF UNITED'S PURSUIT OF SCHWEINSTEIGER?
Manchester United will be upset by the latest news from Germany about Bayern's midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger - but there could be better news on Arda Turan.
Tuesday's Euro Papers reveals all...
- - -
JUNE 29TH. 2015
The Sergio Ramos saga continued with United reportedly making a formal bid for the Real Madrid defender.
Manchester United have made a £28.6 million bid for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, according to Sky Sports News’ Graham Hunter.
It is the latest development in what has become an on-going saga, the 29-year-old has also reportedly told Real he wants to leave and join Louis van Gaal’s side.
OUR VIEW
This figure seems much more accurate than the £40million that was being thrown around earlier this week. Although Ramos is a proven world-class defender, he is nearly 30 and would be a big gamble at that price given United’s last signing from Madrid – Angel Di Maria – has struggled to adapt to life in England.
It looks as though the saga will come to a climax in the next few days when Real decide if the price is right - especially if Ramos is demanding a move. But that does not mean the move will definitely happen… though United fans must surely hope it will.
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Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos (2ndL) is shown a yellow card during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) round of 16 first leg football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Real Madrid CF
Image credit: AFP
- - -
JUNE 24th 2015
UNITED GET SCHWEINI BOOST
Manchester United have had a major boost in their hopes of landing Germany's World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger as reports emerge that the midfielder's contract talks have broken down.
Things are reportedly so bad that the German superclub will now not off the 30-year-old any kind of new deal.
And with Michael Carrick now 34, the BBC claim Louis van Gaal has made it a priority to sign the German midfielder this summer.
But other reports claim it's merely a plot by Schweini's agent to 'do a Dani Alves' and get his man a better deal.
OUR VIEW
Only time will tell where the truth lies. But whereas Alves had every reason to stay at the Nou Camp, Schweinsteiger has plenty of reasons to try something new - and what's more, he has plenty of old friends waiting at Old Trafford, including former Bayern manager Louis van Gaal.
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Schweinsteiger and Van Gaal at Old Trafford (Manchester United)
Image credit: Imago
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JUNE 18TH 2015
Otamendi only moved to Valencia in 2014 but after a stand-out season in La Liga is said to have drawn the attention of a host of top clubs.
His agent Eugenio Lopez revealed last month that the centre-back had received an offer from an unmanned top club. Otamendi is believed to have met with Valencia at the end of the season to advise them of his desire to leave the club.
The centre-back has been tight-lipped about his future up until now but has now revealed that his agent has his “authorisation”.
The truth is that I am enjoying being with the national team, at the Copa America, where there is a lot of responsibility to wear the jersey," Otamendi told ESPN.
"I spoke at the time with my agent, and Valencia know very well what I want.
"Every word my agent says is obviously with my authorisation, with whoever he needs to speak with. At the moment, as I said, my head is fully with the national team, to be able to perform at the maximum when I get to play, and to enjoy this unique moment."
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Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi (R) vies for the ball with Bolivia’s Marcelo Martins (L) during a friendly football match at Bicentenario stadium in San Juan
Image credit: AFP
OUR VIEW
It looks like Otamendi does indeed want to leave Valencia. However, the club from whom he has an offer and who he would like to move to remain shrouded in mystery.
Numerous media reports suggest that United are in fact that club. However, Otamendi, who is a defender first and a ball player second, does not seem to fit the criteria required to play in a Louis van Gaal team. United are first and foremost after a composed, ball playing defender and the Argentine does not fit that mould.
JUNE 11th 2015
UNITED REPORTEDLY AGREE FIRMINHO FEE
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Roberto Firmino has been linked with a £13m move to Old Trafford
Image credit: Imago
Manchester United have agreed a fee for Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, according to ESPN Brazil journalist Jose Elias.
It is claimed that the Brazil international will cost just €18m, around £13m, despite many valuing him at more than £20m.
The 23-year-old has scored three goals in six games for Brazil and is part of the squad for the Copa America in Chile.
Firmino has spent most of his time at Hoffenheim in the number 10 role but can also play wide and as a striker.
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Firmino has enjoyed a prolific start to his Brazil career
Image credit: AFP
OUR VIEW:
It's hard not to be wary of reports from relatively unknown journalists claiming deals are already complete, but what is for certain is that Firmino is a high calibre player who could improve Manchester United's squad. Whether an attacking midfielder is what they need right now is debatable but if they really have agreed a deal for just £13m it is an incredible coup. So incredible, in fact, that it is almost certain to be untrue.
JUNE 8th 2015
VALENCIA KEEN ON VICTOR VALDES
As if losing one excellent Spanish goalkeeper wasn't bad enough, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo are claiming that Victor Valdes could join team-mate David De Gea in making a return move to Spain this summer - by joining Valencia.
The former Barcelona goalkeeper has been backup to De Gea throughout his first six months at Old Trafford and is apparently seen by Valencia as an excellent option to replace the injured Brazilian Diego Alves.
With De Gea's move to Real Madrid seeming increasingly likely, it's doubtful whether the Red Devils would let two experienced goalkeepers go in the same summer.
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Manchester United's Victor Valdes
Image credit: Reuters
OUR VIEW:
Victor Valdes may have only played twice for United last season but it would be a shame to see him leave already. After a horrible anterior crucial ligament injury that brought his Barcelona career to an end and ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup, it was great to see him earn a permanent deal at Manchester United. At his peak he was an excellent goalkeeper, forming a key part of the Barcelona treble-winning side of 2009. If he could get back to that form there is no reason why the 33-year-old couldn't become Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper in the short-term. He's certainly worth persevering with for another year with David De Gea set to leave and should still be at the club next season.
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