Word on the Street: Manchester United Weekly Transfer Roundup

Manchester United close in on Bastian Schweinsteiger

Celebrated journalist Steve Bates reports that Manchester United are close to completing a €7.5million deal for Bastian Schweinsteiger.

In his column for the Sunday Mirror, Bates says that the appeal of reuniting with former manager Louis van Gaal is Bastian’s primary motivation for relocating to Manchester.

According to German legend Lothar Matthaus, “Schweinsteiger needs a coach who will play him according to his strengths, and Van Gaal will do that.”

With a year left on his contract with Bayern Munich, the German international is understood to be keen on playing under Van Gaal with whom he shares a good rapport. Van Gaal himself has been a huge admirer and has witnessed Bastian’s qualities firsthand during his successful spell at Bayern Munich.

As United aim to undergo extensive squad-rebuilding to prepare for their title charge, in Bastian Schweinsteiger they may find the perfect midfield anchor pulling the right strings. Schweinsteiger’s on-field contribution at Bayern Munich is also on the decline as is evident from the fact that he just made 20 appearances for the club in 2014-15.

A move to Old Trafford could materialize for the 30 year old and at £7.5 million the deal would be a bargain for Manchester United.

Likelihood of transfer: 6/10

Sergio Ramos for De Gea?

Transfer sagas have become commonplace in today’s footballing universe. And over the past decade, Real Madrid have had their fair share. In what is proving to be the saga of this summer, world class shot stopper David De Gea is being courted by the Spanish club.

In the latest twist to the tale, Manchester United have reportedly asked for defender Sergio Ramos in a part-exchange deal that shall see the Spain international move to Manchester while David De Gea goes the other way.

Originally signed from Sevilla as a teenager, Sergio Ramos is unhappy with his contract situation at Madrid. He feels his €6million a year contract needs revisions and should be at par with central defenders at other clubs (David Luiz €11million, Thiago Silva €12million). The La Decima winner is also understood to be displeased with the sacking of former coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ramos has won 3 La Liga titles and the Champions League with Real Madrid, but having witnessed the back-door departures of Real Madrid legends like Raul, Fernando Hierro, and (possibly) Iker Casillas, he is keen to renegotiate his €200million buy-out clause and leave, with Manchester United his preferred destination.

With United’s backline looking vulnerable at times, Ed Woodward may have delivered a master stroke in his passive aggressive attempt to sign the 29 year old. However, the possibility of a transfer is unlikely given his importance to Real Madrid.

Likelihood of transfer: 3/10

Hummels to Manchester United gaining steam again?

The reluctance shown by Borrusia Dortmund in selling back-up centre-half Matthias Ginter may signal a possibility of the German Club preparing for life without Mats Hummels.

The German international, who has played over 250 games for the Yellow Submarines, has been the subject of intense interest from Manchester United for over a year. With the departure of Jurgen Klopp this summer, the ‘Hummels to United’ rumour has gained structure. However, there has been little news of substance thus far.

Speculation is increasing once again as Dortmund refuse to sell youngster Matthias Ginter. This refusal is being viewed as Dortmund preparing for the imminent departure of Mats Hummels. Manchester United still want Hummels to bolster their backline which may become more porous with David De Gea reportedly having set his sight on Madrid.

Despite claims made by Daily Star, the case for this rumour appears weak, especially with United reportedly turning to Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi.

Likelihood of transfer: 3/10