Manchester United transfer news and rumours: £200m Lionel Messi deal; Thomas Muller may arrive at Old Trafford in £45m deal
The latest transfer talk surrounding Old Trafford
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Manchester United are the front-runners for the services of Lionel Messi - should he leave Barcelona. The four-time Ballon d'Or winner, who had to settle for the runners-up prize at last night's awards, has been making conflicting statements about his future. The Argentina international dismissed talk of an exit earlier in the week but then said in Zurich it was impossible to be certain where he will be playing next season. Analysis has shown that United are among the few teams with the financial muscle and in a position from a Financial Fair Play perspective who could pay the £200m that would be needed to take him away from the Nou Camp.
Reports that Louis van Gaal has joined the race for Morgan Schneiderlin continue. The Manchester United manager got a close-up view of the midfielder's abilities during the win for Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday. Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal have all also been linked with the Frenchman, who will cost in the region of £25m. It might take an offer in excess of that to sign him during the current window.
Despite leaving out a striker who is costing United £265,000-a-week in wages, Van Gaal is apparently keen to bring in Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller. At the weekend Radamel Falcao was left out of the squad entirely, leaving his future unclear. If the Colombian is not signed from Monaco it's likely reinforcements will be required, leading to Muller. Reports in the Daily Star suggest the World Cup winner is keen on a move away from the Allianz Arena and has told his agent to find him a way out. It's suggested a £45m bid would be needed for Van Gaal to be reunited with the striker.
GOING...
Manchester United striker Will Keane looks set to go out on loan for the rest of the season, with the Daily Mail reporting that Reading and Blackpool are involved in a tug-of-war over the 22-year-old. The forward has made just one first-team appearance for the Red Devils.
GONE...
With the arrival of Victor Valdes, the departure of a goalkeeper was always expected, although perhaps not his one. Sam Johnstone, the 21-year-old stopper far down the pecking order, has gone on loan to Preston.
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