Whilst the transfer window shut close just last week, Manchester United continue to be linked with a number of high-profile arrivals and departures
United want £115 million from Real Madrid for de Gea
Another day, another Dave de Gea transfer rumour. Fresh from keeping his 15th clean sheet of the season during Manchester United’s routine 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend, speculation is once again rife that Spanish giants Real Madrid are preparing a move for the shot-stopper in the summer. According to Sport, the Red Devils have slapped a £115 million price tag on the 27-year-old as they fear Zinedine Zidane’s men will once again try to lure their prized asset to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. It is also believed that, should Madrid be unable to land their man during the summer, they will be prepared to wait until the following summer, in 2019, to sign the Spaniard as a free agent, when his contract at Old Trafford would be up.
However, it is highly unlikely that United will allow themselves to be in a position whereby arguably the world’s best goalkeeper would be able to leave the club for nothing. Manager Jose Mourinho has recently spoken of his desire to tie down de Gea to a new and improved deal at the Theatre of Dreams and ensure that the Spaniard will remain the Reds’ number one for years to come. With Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reportedly issuing a ‘come and get me plea’ this week, by stating that his heart is in Madrid, it will be interesting to see whether the Spanish giants view the Belgian shot-stopper as the more attainable target.
United to rival Liverpool in chase for wonder-kid Pulisic
Despite the fact that the ink has barely dried on the contract that brought Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford, United are being linked with a big-money move for another attacking player, in the shape of Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic. Since moving to the German outfit back in 2015, the United States international has developed into one of Europe’s most highly-rated and sought-after teenagers, establishing himself as a vital member of the Dortmund starting XI. Still only 19, Pulisic has a host of admirers and United could expect to face stiff competition from a number of rivals, both at home and abroad. Liverpool are one of the clubs that will be prepared to go head-to-head with United for the American’s signature, whilst German giants Bayern Munich, who regularly prise away their rivals’ best players, are also thought to be interested. Just recently, Mourinho spoke of his satisfaction with the attacking players at his disposal and seemingly ruled out the possibility of adding to that pool during the summer months. However, should Pulisic become available and United made aware of the teenager’s desire to move to Old Trafford, it would be hard to imagine Mourinho passing up the chance to get hold of one of the game’s brightest talents.
Martial rewarded for sparkling January form
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial’s impressive form during the month of January has seen the Frenchman named the club’s player of the month. The 22-year-old, who had a disappointing campaign under Mourinho last term, has improved massively this season and has emerged as one of the Portuguese’s most important members of the first-team squad. Martial scored three goals in three successive Premier League games at the start of last month and also racked up two assists. The arrival of Sanchez at Old Trafford has certainly added competition for places and whilst Martial lost his place in the starting line-up for the visit of Huddersfield last weekend, the France international will undoubtedly be back and further enhance his reputation as one of the club’s key players.