A roundup of today’s biggest Man United stories.Manchester United prepare £100m package for Di Maria
Manchester United are putting together a package worth around £100m to sign Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, according to the Daily Mail.
The Argentine star has been a top target for the Red Devils for much of this summer’s transfer window, though a move previously looked out of reach with Paris Saint-Germain working on bringing him to the Parc Des Princes on loan.
Still, United are now in pole position to sign him for around £50m, with another £50m set to go on paying his £200,000 per week wages on a five-year contract.
Van Gaal switches focus to Dutch playmaker
United manager Louis van Gaal has identified AS Roma and Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman as an alternative to Arturo Vidal, who looks set to stay at Juventus, according to the Daily Express.
The Dutch playmaker was linked with United last summer before eventually signing for Roma, but he could make his way to Old Trafford this summer to play under his former national team manager van Gaal.
Roma have previously said that the 24-year-old would command a transfer fee of as much as £80m, as they remain determined to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.
United to move for AC Milan veteran
Manchester United look set to switch their focus to the signing of AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes as they struggle to bring in new signings at the back, according to Football Italia.
The French international has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, though he has spent the vast majority of his career in Italy with Milan and preivously with Roma.
Still, the 32-year-old may prove a cheaper option in the transfer market for United as they run out of time to sign a top quality centre-back.
United close in on Argentine defender
Manchester United may be closing in on a deal to sign long-time target Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon, according to the Guardian.
The versatile Argentine is expected to solve Louis van Gaal’s problems at centre-back, though he also impressed for his national side at this summer’s World Cup playing at left-back, and could provide an option in that role too.
The likes of Liverpool have also been linked with the 24-year-old this summer, though it now looks as though United have won the race for his signature.
Bayern Munich move for United target
Another defensive target may be about to get away from Manchester United as Bayern Munich step up their interest in signing AS Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, according to L’Equipe.
The Moroccan international has attracted plenty of interest in the transfer market this summer, also being recently linked with a move to Chelsea, though it may now be that the Allianz Arena will be his next destination.
The 27-year-old was one of the best centre-backs in Europe last season and will provide strong cover for Bayern after they lost Javi Martinez to a lengthy injury layoff.
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