Manchester United transfer news: Pre-agreement reached with Bale, Kovacic offer made and more - 16th December 2017

Bale finally seems on his way to United

Perhaps the longest running transfer saga in recent seasons could finally see Manchester United have things their way as Gareth Bale's move to Old Trafford seems a realistic possibility, reports Don Balon.

According to the reports, United have reached a pre-agreement with Bale which would see him sign for The Red Devils next summer.

Real Madrid have given up on the Welshman following yet another injury-marred season and are willing to cut their losses and sell him next season.

Don Balon believes Real Madrid are holding out on a transfer fee of £70 million or above and will only sell the Welshman if payment is made upfront.

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United to rival Liverpool for Kovacic

Kovacic looks certain to join Premier League in the summer

Manchester United are ready to make a £27 million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Matteo Kovacic, according to reports from Diario Gol.

United are facing the prospect of losing Marouane Fellaini in January or next summer which has forced Jose Mourinho's hands into looking for alternative midfield signings.

Likes of Joao Mario and Fabinho are also linked with a move Old Trafford, however, Mourinho believes Kovacic is the ideal player to support the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

Kovacic is also linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer which has prompted United to act quickly and stop their rivals from signing the Croatian midfield maestro.

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Mourinho to clear the house in January

Mkhitaryan has failed to make it to United's squad in the last 3 weeks

Jose Mourinho is ready to sell all the out-of-favor players at Manchester United to raise funds for new signings in the January transfer window, according to The Independent.

The likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marouane Fellaini, Daley Blind, and Matteo Darmian look certain to exit Old Trafford but Mourinho is not willing to anyone leave until the club receives the right price.

Speaking on the possibilities of January exits, Mourinho said: “That’s my approach as a manager, in cases where the club advises me. I think every player has a price."

“If a player is not happy, if a player brings with him the request with the number that we consider a good number for us - like it happened for us last season with Memphis and Morgan - I would never say no,” he added.

Perhaps these words are a clear indication from Mourinho to his board that he needs players in January to strengthen his side and put up a good fight in both the Premier League and the Champions League in coming months.

United have set aside a hefty transfer budget for their manager, however, they have asked the manager to first sell the inactive players this season and then negotiate any new transfers in January.