Manchester United latest transfer gossip column

Manchester United have been linked with a plethora of players during the January transfer window. With David Moyes looking to strengthen his squad in order to turn their season around, he signed Juan Mata for £37.1 million, a club record, and is still looking for more players, apparently.

Here are the latest set of players to be linked with the reigning champions.

Toni Kroos

Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has thrown cast doubt over his future at the German club in claiming he is keeping his options open. His current contract expires in 18 months and talks over increasing his deal are yet to take place so murmurings over a move away from the European champions are growing.

“I am unable to rule anything out,” he told kicker-Sportmagazin.

Moyes is said to be an admirer of Kroos, whose controlled and calm style of play at the centre of Bayern’s midfield has caught the eye. He seems to be a favourite of Pep Guardiola’s, though, and so a move away from Bayern may not be as easy as it seems right now.

Kroos, who has won 41 caps for his country to date, along with 118 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern, in which he has scored 12 goals. His displays throughout the present season have exhibited neatness and efficiency in possession, demonstrable through a pass accuracy rating which stands at 92%, and the completion of 23 out of 27 attempted take-ons.

Yohan Cabaye

United seem to have missed out on one of their targets, Yohan Cabaye, as he closes in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The French club saw a £14 million bid rejected last week but returned with a bid of around £19m, which has been accepted.

Cabaye has played his last game as a Newcastle United player and will continue his impressive season in Ligue 1 with PSG, the French champions. Another positive for him is that he is eligible to play in the Champions League, as Newcastle do not feature in any ongoing European competition. That will have added to his value, but United must now move onto other targets.

Cabaye Chances Created – PL 2013/14

Cabaye scored seven goals for Newcastle this season and created 33 chances.

Luke Shaw

Manchester United may have to wait until the summer to make a move on Southampton’s highly-rated 18-year-old full-back, Luke Shaw, according to the Independent.

Apparently, Moyes will bid for Shaw this week but will see their offer rejected, as Southampton aim to keep hold of Shaw until at least the summer, at which time they expect other clubs to come sniffing. Chelsea are also another interested party, so United will have to fight them off, in spite of the Blues having been Shaw’s boyhood club, apparently.

It is also suggested Southampton may also feel the need to demonstrate their commitment to manager Mauricio Pochettino by not selling Shaw, only two weeks after the departure of executive chairman Nicola Cortese.

Shaw Chances Created – PL 2013/14

Shaw has created 12 chances in the Premier League this season, more than any other Saints defender.

Nemanja Vidic

AC Milan have been linked with a move for United captain, Vidic, according to reports in Italy.

The Serbian’s contract expires in the summer and with it looking increasingly unlikely that Vidic will earn an extension, new Milan manager Clarence Seedorf is eager to bring him to Italy.

Milan aren’t the only Italian side to be linked with the powerful central defender, though. Fiorentina and Serie A champions, Juventus, have also shown an interest.

Vidic Duel Success – PL 2013/14

Vidic has won 56 headed duels this season, a 71% success rate.

Wayne Rooney

It is being reported that Wayne Rooney will sign a new £300,000 per week contract at United later this week, thought to retain his services at Old Trafford up until 2019.

There has been speculation about Rooney’s future at the club since the end of last season and, with his current deal expiring next summer, many thought he would move to Chelsea in the upcoming summer transfer window but the club seem intent on keeping him at Man United. So much so, that they’re prepared to make him the best paid player in the club’s history as well as give him special access and information to transfer activity and behind-the-scenes decisions at the club.

Rooney Goals Scored – PL 2013/14

Rooney is the club’s top scorer and highest chance creator this season with 9 goals and 40 chances (9 assists).