Rumour: Are Angel Di Maria and Koke on their way to Manchester United in January?

After being given the thumbs down by Athletic Bilbao’s central midfielder, Ander Herrera, David Moyes will turn his attention to the two Madrid clubs as he tries to lure in Angel Di Maria and Koke from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively in the January transfer window.

Manchester United failed with a bid for the midfielder in the summer and there were reports in Spain that suggested that United were again looking to activate the £36m release clause in his contract. But Herrera said “I am tired about this issue, I have said already that I am happy in Athletic Bilbao and I am going to stay here.”

Whilst this might come as a blow to United, the Red Devils are nonetheless expected to be busy in the market, after the club are reported readying bids for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria and Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke. After confirming last week that he is “going to try to (sign players) if the opportunity is there”, Moyes is looking at both players to bring some life into the midfield, which has, far too often, looked a little ragged so far.

According to reports in Spain, the arrival of world record singing Bale has meant that Ancelotti has to pick between him and Di Maria. Having spent all that money, Bale is sure to start and the Italian seemingly prefers a trio of Benzema, Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. All of which mean that Di Maria might well be on his way out of Madrid, to a club, that can offer the former Benfica winger, regular first-team football and Moyes is promising him just that.

There was a rumor that Moyes was hoping to seal a double deal for Di Maria and Khedira, but the German’s knee injury has ruled out that possibility, which has seemingly forced Moyes hand to go for the Argentine alone. But, a reported buy-out clause set at £42m, might mean that Moyes has to splash the cash to bring in the 25-year-old Argentine winger.

According to the Daily Star, Moyes is also going all out to fill the gap in central midfield, and his pursuit will see him head to Madrid’s fierce rivals Atletico and snap up their versatile midfielder Koke, whose performances over the past 12 months has made him one of Europe’s hottest properties.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder, who is just 21, has played a pivotal role in his side’s splendid start to the season, which currently sees them in second spot. With a £16m release clause inserted in his contract, Moyes might well be able to bring back the Spanish midfielder for less than half of what Ander Herrera would have cost.

After having lost out on several high-profile signings in the summer, Moyes is planning to right the wrongs as he looks to add some creativity to a midfield, that is sorely in need of it. If he manages to secure the services of both players, which will be no mean feat, the Red Devils might just have that extra push that sees them past the finish line in the League.