Rumour: Manchester United face Real Madrid challenge for midfield duo

Manchester United could be in line for a summer of transfer tussles with Spanish giants Real Madrid, with reports suggesting that two of their main summer targets are also on Real boss Carlo Ancelotti’s wishlist. Real are said to have negotiated a first refusal agreement with Borussia Dortmund over the sale of United target Ilkay Gundogan, whilst TalkSPORT believe that Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is also interesting Madrid.

Vidal was linked with United throughout the January transfer window and has been a key part in Juventus’ surge to the top of Serie A, alongside Old Trafford youth product Paul Pogba. United are in need of a new central midfield player to compete with Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick, but face competition over Vidal.

The 26 year old Chilean has played 23 league games this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists from his box-to-box midfield role. However he is likely to have a decision to make over his future in the summer and will be able to take his pick of Europe’s top clubs.

Many have suggested that United boss David Moyes may struggle to attract players due to his relative inexperience at top sides, whilst former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish believes that a probable lack of Champions League football will hamper their summer efforts.

The summer transfer window will give Moyes the opportunity to disprove these statements, but he will have to battle with one of the world’s largest sides if he is to secure Vidal or Gundogan.

Vidal is enjoying another fantastic season with the Old Lady

Vidal has made more tackles (80) and scored more goals (11) than any United midfield player this season.