Manchester United transfers and news: Gareth Bale 'happy for now' at Real Madrid; Felipe Anderson deal in doubt

Rumours linking Gareth Bale will never relent. The Welshman scored a hat-trick for Real Madrid in Zinedine Zidane’s debut as manager on Saturday night, despite allegedly being unhappy at the decision to replace Rafael Benitez, seemingly putting suggestions of disquiet to bed. But his post-match comments lend Manchester United hands with a degree of hope.

Asked if he was happy in Spain, he replied: “I am happy at the moment. You can never predict what will happen in the future, but right now I am enjoying my football. I had a good relationship with Rafa and it was disappointing to see him go, but this happens in football. You are a professional. You get on with it.”

Louis van Gaal’s hopes of signing Lazio forward Felipe Anderson have suffered a knock with the reported revelation that 5% of the transfer fee will go to the player. The Italian club, according to the Daily Star, want the equivalent of that money to be added onto the overall transfer fee, rumoured to be in the region of £35m. United are stubborn to pay the extra money, leading to a stand-off which puts the whole transfer in doubt.

The talented 22-year-old recently discussed the prospect of arriving at Old Trafford this month and appeared to suggest it was a real possibility. “My future? I don’t know if I’ll stay in January,”admitted Anderson. “I’m focused on my work because I don’t live in a good moment but I don’t know what will happen.”

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Red Devils boss Van Gaal has refused to be drawn on the deluge of rumours surrounding Old Trafford this month, but the Dutchman did confirm he is looking to do some business. Speaking after the narrow 1-0 FA Cup third round victory against League One outfit Sheffield United, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was coy when quizzed on his transfer strategy. It remains unlikely the club will commit to a large outlay this winter despite rumours linking them with a series of high-profile targets.

Van Gaal said: "I cannot discuss that with you. I don't think we shall do business in January. But you cannot say that because when there is a chance to make the selection better, we shall do it, but I don't think we shall do that. But that is this moment."

One player who may fit the bill is Mainz striker Yoshinori Muto, the Japanese forward has who been branded the ‘new Lionel Messi’ by the German media. While that outlandish nickname is yet to be justified, the 23-year-old has been in fine form for the Bundesliga outfit, scoring seven goals in 18 matches. The Daily Mirror report that United are on the look-out for bargains, in light of Financial Fair Play regulations, and would prefer to sign the Japan international over more expensive targets like Southampton’s Saido Mane.

Muto only joined the German side last summer, signing a four-year contract, but it remains to be seen how he would respond to an offer from the Old Trafford giants. So far at least, his employers have reportedly resisted the temptation to cash in on Muto in a similar fashion they did with fellow countryman Shinji Okazaki last year.

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Marouane Fellaini could yet leave United after the club’s hierarchy slapped a £24m price tag on the Belgian’s head. AC Milan have shown a tentative interest in recent weeks while former club Everton have been reported as prospective suitors. According to the Sunday People, Fellaini has been informed that he will not be allowed to leave on loan, suggesting a permanent deal will be his only route out.

The 28-year-old cost the Red Devils £27.5m when he joined under David Moyes two-and-a-half years ago and directors will try and recoup as much of that as they can. Current United boss Van Gaal was ready to allow him to depart to Fiorentina when he took over 18 months ago, but an injury supposedly scuppered the deal.