Rumour: Manchester United open talks with Liverpool target Yevhen Konoplyanka

Yevhen Konoplyanka celebrates after scoring during the Europa League football match Fiorentina vs FC Dnipro at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence

According to the Mirror, Manchester United have entered negotiations with FC Dnipro over the tranfer of Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Konoplyanka has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool in recent months, but the Red Devils have stolen a march on their rivals and opened talks with the Ukrainian winger.

Liverpool had hoped to strike a deal for Konoplyanka in January but fell just short on deadline day.

The 24-year-old could become Louis van Gaal’s first foray in the transfer market, as United look to strengthen their squad with a reported £220 million budget.

Aside from Konoplyanka, the Dutch boss is said to be keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, Roma’s Kevin Strootman and Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger. Although United’s initial £25 million bid for Strootman was rejected by Roma.

Konoplyanka’s proposed move to Old Trafford casts doubt on the future of United’s current wingers – the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia – with none of the trio making the position their own under David Moyes’ tenure.