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Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils want Martial - and another striker

Eurosport
ByEurosport

Published 01/09/2015 at 09:09 GMT

Manchester United are expected to be one of the busiest teams on transfer deadline day - but their business might not be limited to £36m forward Anthony Martial.

Louis van Gaal's United side are targeting a place in the Champions League group stage

Image credit: PA Sport

That's the report according to The Guardian, who claim that United are open to signing another striker before the summer window closes - even with a deal for Martial still to be formally concluded.
The broadsheet does not say which striker might be targeted, although rumours on social media suggest that an interest in Atletico Madrid man Antoine Griezmann has been registered in recent days. Charlie Austin, Emmanuel Adebayor and perhaps even Bafetimbi Gomis might be more attainable options - especially given the lack of time left to clinch any transfer.
August 31
Manchester United are considering a move for Emmanuel Adebayor after the striker was offered around by Tottenham, according to reports.
The Daily Mail are reporting that the Togolese forward is stalling on a proposed loan move to West Ham as he considers his options, and wants to wait to discover if Manchester United are keen on his services before he commits to any deal elsewhere.
United could be interested in Adebayor as back-up to Wayne Rooney, despite the impending arrival of Anthony Martial from Monaco. With Javier Hernandez expected to join Bayer Leverkusen later on Monday, United still need forward options even after Martial is unveiled - although it remains to be seen if United will have any interest in the former Manchester City man.
OUR VIEW
Tottenham are clearly desperate to offload Adebayor, and will be offering him to every club they can think of right up until the window shuts. In some regards it would be a low risk, relatively cheap option for United (and if Adebayor could be motivated, he could even prove to be some player for them) - but the player has burned so many bridges over the last few years of his career that there is almost no chance Louis van Gaal will approve a move.
August 29
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Gareth Bale scored twice for Real Madrid in a 5-0 win over Real Betis

Image credit: PA Sport

Manchester United have offered £65 million and David De Gea as they bid to lure Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
The Daily Star claims that United have made the tempting offer as they bid to land the Welsh winger before the transfer deadline.
With United having previously valued De Gea in excess of £30m, the deal is effectively worth more than £95m to the Spanish side - more than they spent on Bale two years ago - although they nevertheless appear reluctant to sell a player who has faced significant criticism from his own fans in recent months.
OUR VIEW
Manchester United might be desperate for a big-name signing before the window shuts, but Bale is unlikely to be that man. It should not be considered a coincidence that Friday saw the ex-Spurs man undergo his first public interview in Spanish - a positive PR move that is clearly designed to improve his standing with Real fans.
The club are clearly desperate to keep him and are doing everything to facilitate that - so even using De Gea as bait will not be enough for United this time around.
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SS Lazio's Felipe Anderson celebrates after scoring

Image credit: Reuters

August 28
Manchester United are readying a bid for Lazio star Felipe Anderson, according to reports.
Lazio were dumped out of the Champions League during the week and will now have to sell some its star to balance the books, reports the .
Felipe Anderson could be one of the stars to be sold add the paper and United are reportedly ready to splash £32.8m on the Brazil star after missing out on Pedro.
OUR VIEW
Felipe Anderson is an exceptionally talented footballer who can play anywhere across the front line which would broadly suit United’s requirements.
Yet, that is not to say that the deal is likely to go through. United, despite Louis van Gaal’s protestations, need an injection of pace. Felipe Anderson suits that requirement.
However, the suspicion remains that this is a rumour of circumstance rather than substance. United need a player of his type, Lazio have been knocked out of the Champions League and the window is fast closing.
This is the first time that United have been linked with him which suggests this is a paper-generated rumour rather than anything more substantial.
August 27
Ilkay Gundogan back on the agenda
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Ilkay Gundogan of Borussia Dortmund attends a football press conference in Singapore on July 8, 2015.

Image credit: AFP

Manchester United haven't been linked with Ilkay Gundogan for a month or two - but now he is back in their sights.
United are apparently after Gundogan as they seek another midfield signing. The Telegraph reports, by way of the Daily Express:
"The Dortmund midfielder only signed a new contract with the Bundesliga giants last month, and Arsenal are also said to be renewing interest, but that hasn't stopped Louis van Gaal from attempting to lure the Germany international to Old Trafford."
Gundogan is consistently linked with a move away from Dortmund but do United really need him?
OUR VIEW
What a bizarre time to resurrect this rumour, after United have signed Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Surely United are looking at strengthening in other areas, such as up front and on the wings, than adding another midfielder.
Let's look a bit deeper. The Telegraph cite the Express, who cite the Daily Star, who cite Express.de. It's another fine moment for the transfer roundabout.
August 23
Neymar would consider United move
United have apparently been told they will need to pay the player's release clause - £138m - if they want to sign him, while subsequent reports indicated that the forward is at least interested by the possibility - apparently attracted by the prestige of the club and the chance to play in the Premier League.
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Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior gestures during an official team presentation at the 50th Joan Gamper Trophy football match FC Barcelona vs AS Roma at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 5, 2015.

Image credit: AFP

OUR VIEW
It is not ridiculous that Neymar would entertain United's advances - if all parties accept that a deal is unlikely this summer, than there is no harm in keeping everyone's interest on the table. That is especially true for the player: With two years left on his contract next summer he will be entering re-negotiating time, and United's interest will undoubtedly strengthen his hand when he gets around a table with the Barca board.
Ultimately that might be what is going on here. United are registering their interest in case the Brazilian ever does want to leave, and Neymar himself is acknowledging their interest to use for his own interests further down the line.
August 21
Real Madrid are willing to offer Costa Rica's World Cup goalkeeper Keylor Navas plus cash in exchange for Manchester United keeper David de Gea.
The longest running transfer saga of the summer shows no signs of reaching a conclusion, with United target Sergio Ramos having recently signed a new deal at the Bernabeu.
The latest twist is Madrid offering Navas plus cash in an attempt to convince United to sell.
OUR VIEW
This is not going to wash with United, who have already identified Jasper Cillessen as the man they want to replace De Gea, if he leaves.
The issue for United is that Madrid are not willing to stump up the cash United are demanding - at least £35million - for a player they regard as the best goalkeeper in the world.
August 20
Manchester United have made an inquiry regarding the availability of Southampton’s Sadio Mane.
The Daily Telegraph are reporting that United made a tentative first move for the Senegalese international last week.
The report adds that United’s interest in Mane may partially explain United’s stalled move for Pedro.
However, the nature of United’s bid remains unclear but Louis van Gaal is a firm admirer of the player, who moved to Southampton last season summer for £10 million.
Mane scored 10 league goals in 31 appearances for the Saints last season.
OUR VIEW
Mane is hardly the marquee signing many United fans will have expected. However, he already has a season in the Premier League under his belt. Furthermore, he was one of Southampton’s players of the season while producing a pretty handsome return of 10 goals.
At 24, he has plenty of potential and had pace in abundance. Louis van Gaal is said to want to add pace to his squad so this move makes logical sense. Whether the Saints will sanction a sale is of course another matter altogether.
August 18
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Pedro with the Super Cup

Image credit: Imago

Manchester United will apparently seal their swoop for Barcelona forward Pedro on Tuesday.
The Telegraph are reporting that the Spain winger Pedro will arrive to take over from Angel Di Maria after he ended a miserable season at United by joining Paris-Saint Germain.
Pedro scored six goals in 35 appearances, but was the fourth choice forward behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar at the Nou Camp as they collected the Champions League, Liga and the Spanish Cup.
He will expect a wage increase on the £60,000 per week he collects at the Camp Nou, and is set to become Louis van Gaal's seventh signing of the summer and the second wide man to join after Memphis Depay.
OUR VIEW
Pedro showed genuine class and opportunism by coming off the bench to score the winning goal in Barcelona's win over Sevilla in the Super Cup last week.
With United have collected two wins from their opening two matches of the league season, the arrival of Pedro will enhance the feel-good factor around Old Trafford.
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August 16
Manchester United are considering a bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Lavezzi is surplus to requirements at PSG and had been expected to leave the club for Valencia in the coming days.
But Manchester United are poised to pounce for the Argentina international, who could cost around £10million.
OUR VIEW
It's not clear whether Lavezzi would be signed if the Pedro deal goes through, but Van Gaal is certainly keeping his options open.
The longer the Pedro deal drags on, the more likely United are to lose patience and go for Lavezzi. One to keep an eye on.
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August 15
De Gea has not featured for United this season as talks continue over a possible move to Real Madrid - with conflicting claims over whether the goalkeeper has refused to play.
Neville criticised United for letting the Spaniard's contract run down - he will be a free agent next summer if he stays at Old Trafford.
"This has been badly managed by Manchester United -- make no mistake about that -- to allow a player of his quality not to extend a couple of years ago," Neville said.
"He had those couple of dodgy seasons at the start when he was a young, inexperienced goalkeeper adapting to a new country, but under David Moyes he showed real promise.
"The question has to be asked: why wasn't it extended in that period? To allow his contract to get to this situation is poor management, and now United are paying for it."
OUR VIEW
Neville is right, of course. Even taking in the managerial upheaval of the last couple of years, it seems inconceivable that De Gea was overlooked at the same time that long contract extensions were being handed to the likes of Nani. And, in all likelihood, he wasn't. Clubs are acutely aware of their players' contractual situation - but even if United did offer improved terms, they failed to present an acceptable deal and look set to pay the price.
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August 14
Conflicting reports emerged on Friday about a possible Manchester City bid for Manchester United target Pedro.
Reports originating in the Spanish press initially suggested that Manchester City had met the release clause in Pedro's contract, leapfrogging United's long-standing offer and leaving both Barcelona and the player with a new decision to make.
However, the Daily Mirror subsequently reported that there had been no such City bid for the player, although the club is monitoring his situation. With Neymar currently injured, the European champions would certainly prefer to keep the Spain internaional.
OUR VIEW
The stories are surprising and unexpected, perhaps suggesting they are in fact a ruse from Barca to try and get United to up their offer for the player. The reality, however, is that the ball is now in Pedro's court - he has to decide if he is happy to play less regularly at his boyhood club or make the move for more game-time in a new environment. Everyone is waiting for that decision - but if, as expected, he ultimately decides to leave it would seem United will remain the side in the front of the queue for him.
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Pedro with the Super Cup

Image credit: Imago

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August 13
Manchester United are reportedly preparing an improved bid for Thomas Muller, as Pedro pursuit continues to move at slow pace.
Reports in Germany on Thursday indicated that Manchester United are preparing to return to Bayern Munich with an improved offer for Thomas Muller, as they bid to add another forward to their ranks before the summer transfer window closes.
German newspaper Kicker claims United are ready to offer the Germany international a lucrative five-year deal, while also raising the transfer fee they were initially willing to pay Bayern. The news comes on a day where the Premier League side appeared to suffer a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona forward Pedro, with Barca boss Luis Enrique denying the player was on the verge of an exit.
"We've heard his opinions, it's a difficult decision that he has to make but we'll wait and see what he decides," Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Friday's Supercopa de Espana fixture with Athletic Bilbao. "He wants to leave because he's not getting minutes but we want to give him minutes so it's a difficult situation. I certainly want him to stay. I'm looking forward to the end of the transfer market so I'll know exactly what I do have."
OUR VIEW
United are clearly desperate to add another attacking player before the transfer window closes, with Pedro their main target. Presumably that is at least in part because they feel he is the most attainable, but Luis Enrique's recent comments highlight the fact that both clubs are waiting on the player's decision. With that being the case, it makes sense that the Premier League side would pursue an alternative - with Muller a costly but perhaps even more exciting option. The last thing Louis van Gaal will want is to come up empty-handed come September and exploring other targets until one is signed makes sense - but Pedro surely remains the more likely deal to be done.
August 12
Arsenal and Juventus are also apparently interested in the winger, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, but it could take a huge sum to persuade Schalke to do business.
"Our plan is not to sell Julian,” said general manager Horst Heldt. "That said, in this business it’s difficult to make definitive statements. If another club makes an astronomical offer for a player, for the good of the club you must always at least consider it.
We want to keep him, but we can only definitively put the issue to bed on August 31. To say anything else would not be honest. Today I could say ‘he will not leave’, but then a few days later a huge offer for him is put on the table.”
OUR VIEW
Draxler is only 21, and is a product of Schalke's youth system. He scored his first goal at the age of 17 in becoming the Bundesliga's youngest scorer. He made 100 appearances in Germany's top flight at the age of 20. There is little doubt that he has an astonishing pedigree for someone so young, but such talent does not come cheaply. You suspect Schalke will be looking for over £40m to sell the forward. If they land Pedro, would they would be willing to buy into Draxler future potential in the Premier League? Arsenal were apparently scared off by a £37m asking price just over a year ago.
August 11
Real Madrid have lodged a final offer for Manchester United’s David De Gea according to reputable Spanish newspaper ABC.
The paper reports that Real Madrid have reportedly offered €25m (£17.7m) plus add-ons to the tune of €5m (£3.5m) for the former Atleti stopper and have told the Old Trafford club that is their final offer.
United are said to be holding out for £25m in one lump sum for the Spain goalkeeper.
Real have reportedly issued United with an ultimatum: accept this final offer or lose De Gea on a free next summer.
OUR VIEW
United are a financial behemoth, so ultimatums of this nature are unlikely to have the desired effect. In fact, they may have the opposite effect – United could dig in and refuse to do business with Real on principle. Put simply United can afford to let De Gea leave next season on a free. The Red Devils will more than likely make a football decision on this one. De Gea is a keeper of the highest calibre and could be the difference between United being also-rans and title challengers.
Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that this is Madrid’s final offer; if – and more than likely when - United turn this offer down, Madrid will be back with another 'final' offer.
Like Real Madrid?
AUGUST 8
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Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea watches from the stands ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on August 8, 2015

Image credit: AFP

David de Gea wants to be considered for selection for Manchester United despite continued interest from Real Madrid.
Sources close to De Gea have told the Daily Mail that the Spanish stopper continues to train with the United first team and sees no reason why he should not be considered for selection for Friday’s game against Aston Villa.
De Gea’s desire to play comes in the wake of news that Madrid have offered United an ultimatum – accept €25m (£17.65m) and €5m (£3.5m) in add-ons or lose him for nothing next season.
OUR VIEW
De Gea clearly wants to move to Madrid – of that there is little doubt. However, what cannot be questioned is the former Atleti man’s professionalism in the wake of months of constant speculation. He has not gone public with his desire to move and has, according to reports, trained with the same diligence and intensity as normal.
Having said that, it remains a difficult decision for United manager Louis van Gaal. His only point of match-day reference was an uncharacteristically sloppy performance against PSG; said performance may have nothing to do with the uncertainty surrounding De Gea’s future but Van Gaal is quite rightly unwilling to take that risk. Expect him to stay benched until he leaves or the window closes.
AUGUST 7
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Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos attends a training session at Tianhe Stadium in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, China July 26, 2015

Image credit: Reuters

Sergio Ramos has reportedly turned down the latest contract offer from Real Madrid as he holds out for a £7m-per-year deal.
The Spaniard has found himself subject to intense speculation regarding a transfer to Manchester United, although no move has materialised.
Instead, Ramos appears set to pen a new contract at the Bernabeu, with the two parties currently at odds over the terms. The latest offer, according to Cadena SER, is £6m-per-year, with the 29-year-old not prepared to lower his demands.
However, if Real refuse to budge it could tempt United into placing another bid to unsettle the Spanish giants.
Despite enjoying an astonishing 22-match winning run under Carlo Ancelotti last season, a defeat to Valencia in January sparked a collapse as Barcelona snared all three trophies to secure the treble.
Real begin their quest to regain the Liga title on August 23 against Sporting.
OUR VIEW
Even it Ramos doesn't get what he wants, there’s little suggestion he would demand a move to United.
No, sadly the whole transfer saga appears to have been fabricated with one intention: to get Ramos more money.
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AUGUST 6
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Porto's Bruno Martins Indi (3) fights for the ball with Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan (R)

Image credit: Reuters

Manchester United have shifted their attention to Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan, according to a report.
The Argentine, priced around £21.1m, is expected to play his last game in Portugal this weekend ahead of moving to Old Trafford, with the Metro reporting the two clubs have a “verbal agreement”.
Gaitan’s arrival could end United’s interest in Barcelona forward Pedro, who has been linked with a switch to the Premier League in recent weeks, although some reports suggest United will sign both.
United are looking to bolster their attack following the sale of Angel Di Maria to PSG.
He began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Benfica in 2010.
OUR VIEW
Do United really need both Pedro and Gaitan?
The sale of Angel Di Maria leaves them with cash to cover both moves, but they’re already strong out wide – Memphis Depay and Ashley Young will expect to start, while Juan Mata may be fishing for a start on the flank – so the question remains: where will they fit in?
Unless injuries strike at Old Trafford, there’s going to be some unhappy players at Old Trafford next season as competition for starting roles become fierce.
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AUGUST 5
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Hugo Lloris ist Frankreichs Nummer 1

Image credit: AFP

Hugo Lloris remains hopeful that David De Gea will join Real Madrid, paving the way for him to join Manchester United, according to a report.
Lloris has been touted as a potential replacement to De Gea at Old Trafford, although that speculation has quietened since he sustained a fractured wrist in July.
However, according to French publication L’Equipe, a deal remains possible with De Gea’s future still unresolved.
The Spaniard, who has a year left on his current deal, continues to be linked with a return home.
United and Real have been awkward negotiators this summer, with the Premier League club complicating matters by bidding for centre-back Sergio Ramos and, apparently, Gareth Bale.
Lloris faces a fitness battle to make Tottenham’s XI for their opening day clash with United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
OUR VIEW
Lloris is a quality goalkeeper… but De Gea is better. If United can’t get Ramos from Real Madrid – and the indication is they won’t – there appears to be little reason to part with De Gea.
Any money they recoup from the Spaniard’s sale would go on the Spurs man, leaving them with a similar financial position and a marginally worse goalkeeper. A successful season (and a turbulent one over at the Bernabeu) might just convince De Gea that United is where his future lies.
WEST HAM WILL MAKE NEW OFFER FOR CHICHARITO
West Ham are ready to come to Manchester United with a £12m bid for Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, per The Standard.
The Hammers already wanted a striker and had bid £8.5m for Chicharito earlier in the summer, but now that Enner Valencia is injured, they're desperate for help up front.
The only striker acquisition they have made so far is a loan deal for Raul Jimenez, but they still have a work permit battle on their hands for the Mexican.
OUR VIEW
Chicharito would be a terrific addition to West Ham. His movement in the box is excellent and he does a decent job of helping keep the ball.
The Hammers could use him alone up top or, after Valencia regains fitness, with Valencia. £12m is a bit of a steep price for a player with one year left on his contract, especially since Man United have no use for him, but the Hammers are desperate now and the Red Devils know it.
West Ham's leverage is gone and they need to get the man they clearly desire.
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AUGUST 4 2015
Manchester United will finalise their £20m deal for Pedro in the next 48 hours and then could sign Pepe, according to a report.
Barcelona are hoping to recoup £24m for Pedro, but United believe £20m is enough to get the deal wrapped up.
Then, Louis van Gaal may have a pop at signing Pepe, who is apparently available falling behind Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in Rafael Benitez's depth chart.
OUR VIEW
Pedro has long looked bound for United so them verging on finalising the transfer isn't a surprise. Pepe going to Old Trafford certainly would be. Even if Ramos and Varane are first choice, Real Madrid would certainly need more than two centre backs this season. Plus, if they were going to offload him, several clubs would be interested and Real would undoubtedly prefer he go somewhere other than United.
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'United made two £100m bids for Bale'
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Gareth Bale has been linked with a move to Manchester United

Image credit: PA Sport

How badly did Manchester United want Gareth Bale? The Sun claim that the Red Devils twice bid £100 million for the Welshman this summer, and Real Madrid turned them down both times.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has refused to do business with United, which is why he refused to consider the bids for Bale, as well as offers for Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane.
OUR VIEW
The idea that Real Madrid would say no to £100m for Bale is crazy. Then again, so is bidding £100m for Bale. Normally, that would be enough to dismiss this as a silly rumour, but Perez is seemingly capable of holding spectacular grudges, while United have way too much money. So if any two clubs were going to make this kind of rumour come true, it'd be these two.
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AUGUST 3
Benfica are trying to keep Nicolos Gaitan in Portugal amid claims Manchester United are keen on the attacking midfielder.
Forward Jonas is desperate for Galtan to remain at the club. United are apparently studying a potential move for Gaitan - who is valued at around £22m to replace Angel Di Maria - who is set to quit the club in a £44 million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
"He is a very great player and everyone knows the quality that Nico has," said Jonas in the Portuguese newspaper Record.
"He has been at Benfica for many years, knows every corner of the club and is happy.
"We know there are clubs that are interested in signing him but, for me in particular, I would love it if he stays because he provides a lot of assists.
"Not just for me, but also for Lima He is a player who gives a lot to the team with his determination and quality."
OUR VIEW
Gaitan would certainly bring a lot to the United side if they are serious about landing the Benfica playmaker. In a 3-5-2 formation, Gaitan would be operate as a natural wing-back. He has pace, skill and awareness. Would United find a role for him in the middle of the park behind Rooney? It could all depend on whether or not the apparent push to land Pedro from Barcelona comes off. Gaitan may well be the fallback plan if the Pedro pursuit collapses.
AUGUST 2
Manchester United are happy to allow Brazil international Rafael leave Old Trafford, with Lyon emerging as favourites for his signature.
Galatasaray, Roma and Benfica have all been linked with the right-back this summer, but French newspaper Le Parisien has revealed that Lyon are close to sealing a transfer for the 25 year-old.
The full-back has fallen down the pecking order under Louis Van Gaal after being an ever-present under Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes. With Lyon appearing in this season's Champions League it represents an attractive offer for Rafael, who finds himself behind new signing Matteo Darmian.
OUR VIEW
It's pretty clear that Rafael is not hugely rated by Van Gaal, and a cut price move to Lyon looks the best option for all parties. The Brazilian remains a talented if frustrating player and may find his ability more suited to Ligue 1.
AUGUST 1
Manchester United are readying themselves for the departure of David de Gea to Real Madrid as Louis van Gaal loses patience with the Spaniard.
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Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on the club's pre-season tour

Image credit: AFP

Spanish publication AS are reporting that the goalkeeper looked shaky and disinterested during United's 2-0 preseason defeat to PSG, prompting van Gaal to make up his mind that the former Atletico Madrid player needs to be sold.
Real have tracked De Gea all summer long and this apparent change in stance from van Gaal should prompt them to renew their attempts to bring him to La Liga.
OUR VIEW
This saga has been running all summer and still it refuses to go away. Whether Van Gaal's mind has been made up by one pre-season showing isn't clear, but if De Gea's head has been turned by Real Madrid's interest then it would make sense for the club to cash in.
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