Heres a look at the5 most anticipated football transfer speculationfrom todays newspapers.
#1 Manchester United eye Alexis Sanchez move
New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has identified Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez as a summer transfer target. The Dutch coach is reportedly considering a £20 million move for the Chilean International.
Sanchez has failed to hold on to a regular birth at the Catalan club since his move from Udinese three years ago and could leave Barcelona this summer. The 25-year-old, who will face Van Gaal’s Holland during the World Cup in Brazil, has been a long term target for the Red Devils.
United’s interest in Sanchez has put doubts over the futures of a host of the club’s attackers including Shinji Kagawa, Ashley Young, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, who could be sold this transfer window as van Gaal eyes an overhaul at Old Trafford.
#2 Carlos Vela set to return to Arsenal
Real Sociedad striker Carlos Vela is on his way back to Arsenal following the Gunners’ decision to activate the player’s £3.5 million buy-back clause. The 25-year-old joined Arsenal in 2006 but failed to impress for the North London club and was later loaned four times before joining Real Sociedad in 2011.
Vela had an excellent last season at the Spanish club, scoring 16 goals and grabbing 12 assists in 34 appearances. However, the Mexican striker will leave Socieded and rejoin Arsenal for cheap in a buy-back option.
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has been in London for talks with Arsenal this week in an attempt to buy the Mexican striker but on Tuesday night confirmed: “Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season.”
#3 Borussia Dortmund rule out Marco Reus exit
Borussia Dortmund sporting director has insisted that Marco Reus will not leave the Bundesliga giants this summer. The German International has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Barcelona while several sources in Spain have claimed that Barcelona have already agreed terms with the attacking midfielder.
"I can definitely rule out a transfer (for Reus) this summer," Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc said.
The 25-year-old is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and will miss this month’s World Cup in Brazil. Reus’ contract with the German club runs until 2017 but a release clause of reportedly €35million can be triggered from the summer of 2015 onwards.
Reus has been a star performer for them this season, scoring 18 and assisting 23 goals in all competitions.
#4 Real Madrid in talks with Paris Saint Germain\'s Marco Veratti
Paris Saint Germain midfielder Marco Veratti’s agent is said to be in Spain to discuss a potential move to Real Madrid this transfer window. Veratti is said to be a top target for Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is keen to sign a world class midfielder to replace the aging Xabi Alonso.
Ancelotti is well aware of the young midfielder’s talent, having signed him for PSG during his time in France. The midfield play maker is also believed to be interested in joining the Champions League winners after lack of regular action at PSG.
The 21-year-old, who is part of Italy’s World Cup squad, is said to be a target for a host of Premier League clubs but Real Madrid remain in pole position to land the highly-rated youngster.
#5 Atletico Madrid\'s Miranda confirms Manchester United transfer talks
Atletico Madrid defender Miranda has fuelled rumours of a summer switch to Manchester United by revealing his agent is in discussions with teams from England. Reports from Spain earlier this month claimed that a deal has been agreed by the Red Devils for the transfer of Miranda, which were later denied by the club.
However, Miranda told Brazil’s Radio ESPN: “I have some offers and we are negotiating. I have offers from Spanish and English leagues. My agent is in Europe to decide my future, my buy-out fee at Atletico Madrid is 30 million euros, but that can be negotiated.”
Man United are looking for defensive reinforcements after the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and are firm favourites to sign Miranda, should the 29-year-old decide to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.