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Hello and welcome to the Manchester United transfer roundup for the day! The transfer rumour mill is in a full-on mode as there are stories after stories regarding the biggest club in England.
The Red Devils, if the reports are to be believed, might as well go on a rampant mode in January. So without further ado, let’s get straight to what’s up with the Old Trafford outfit…
#5 Jerome Boateng
Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has opened up about suitors tracking him in the summer transfer window. There were reports of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United wanting to sign the centre-half but in the end, the former Manchester City defender stayed put with the Bavarians.
Speaking about the interest in him in the recently-concluded summer window, he admitted that both the aforementioned clubbed wanted him and that he did give them a consideration out of a desire for a new challenge.
"I had enquiries from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, and I considered them," the 30-year-old said.
"Not because I wanted to leave Bayern Munich by all means. It was no escape, but rather the thrill of a new challenge.
However, he stayed with the club because new manager Niko Kovac gave him something that all players love to have (apart from bags of riches): assurance of importance.
"Niko Kovac gave me the feeling that I am very important for him and the club.”
Finally, he dropped the bombshell: that Jose Mourinho and he had a conversation on the phone and that he revealed his honour at incurring the interest of the Portuguese while also revealing his reasons for snubbing the Theatre of Dreams.
"I phoned Jose Mourinho and told him that his interest honoured me and thanked him.
"I explained to him my reasons for not joining."
Safe to assume that the former Real Madrid manager must not have been pleased after hanging up the phone.
#4 Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has started the season brilliantly for the Red Devils. He has arguably been their best player after four games so far this season and it seems like he has finally won the trust of Jose Mourinho.
He might have had a concussion against Spain when the two sides met at Wembley a few days ago but he seems to have recovered well and would likely resume playing for the Old Trafford outfit.
However, what he is unlikely to do is put pen to paper and extend his contract with the Red Devils just yet. According to The Sun, Shaw isn’t keen on signing a new contract just yet as it was only a few months ago when he was in the firing line.
#3 Ozil
Well, well, what is it with Manchester United’s desire to sign Arsenal’s top players? Sir Alex Ferguson signed Robin van Persie, a move that helped the Red Devils win the league, and Jose Mourinho signed Alexis Sanchez only 8 months ago.
And now, Mesut Ozil might just be the next Gunner to join the red side of Manchester – at least that is what the odds incline towards. According to odds, United are 4/1 to sign Ozil while Fenerbahce are slightly better placed at 5/2.
"Ozil might be Arsenal's highest earner, but that won't guarantee him playing time under Emery,” Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said.
#2 Alba
Jordi Alba’s named is being thrown around with Manchester United quite a lot these days. We have two separate reports from the same outlet that seem to believe that Jose Mourinho is hell-bent about bringing the former Valencia star to the club.
According to Don Balon, the former Real Madrid manager is aware of Barcelona’s interest in Paul Pogba. As a result, he is willing to give away his midfield star if it means that he gets Jordi Alba in return.
Meanwhile, Gerard Pique is aware of the fact that the left-back would welcome a change of scenery and move to the Premier League as he has not yet been offered a new contract by the Catalans.
#1 Marcelo and Kroos
Ever since Zidane made it clear that he will return to management sooner rather than later, both Manchester United and Juventus fans have been excited about a potential marriage with their respective clubs.
Don Balon, meanwhile, take it a million steps further. They claim that Zidane is planning a revenge against Madrid – although we don’t understand why he would want to avenge himself against a club that did him no wrong at all – by signing two players for his next club.
Regardless of where he ends up – the Old Trafford or Turin – he will attempt to sign Marcelo and Toni Kroos to enhance the chances of success for his next project. The Brazilian has a release clause of €200 million while the German’s exit clause stands at a staggering €500 million.
