Rumour: Manchester United target Atletico Madrid’s midfield talisman Koke

Manchester United reportedly interested in Koke

Another day, another rumour of a midfield player moving to Manchester United. Hot on the heels of stories linking Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos, Kevin Strootman and, most recently, Feyenoord’s Jordy Clasie with Manchester United transfers, Atletico Madrid’s Koke is reportedly a target for new United boss Louis van Gaal.

The Metro believe that United are ready to trigger the Spaniard’s release clause, said to be around £48 million. Atletico won La Liga and reached the Champions League final on a shoestring this season, but their success has led a number of sides to be interested in their top players.

With Diego Costa a target for Chelsea, they could be about to lose both of their headline grabbers should United follow through on their interest in Koke, who made 36 league appearances this season, scoring six goals.

Reports suggest that Atletico are unwilling to listen to offers for Koke, but that the existence of a buyout clause will force them to do business if it is met.

United’s midfield was a large part of the problem in their slump from champions to seventh place last season, with major surgery needed in the centre of the pitch this summer. A £48 million move for Koke would go a large way to plugging the gaps for United, in what is sure to be a crucial first transfer window for van Gaal.