Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MANCHESTER UNITED BOUND...
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could make a sensational return to Old Trafford with Louis van Gaal making the French midfielder his top target.
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Sportiva report that United could make a £77million bid for the talented 21-year-old, while other reports suggest Juventus see Marco Verratti as the perfect replacement.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who has 10 caps for Italy, admitted he wants to play in Serie A one day having only played with Pescara in Serie B.
Juventus could also make long-term United target Arturo Vidal available for sale in the summer with the Chilean struggling for form this season so far. Vidal, 27, came close to joining Old Trafford in the summer but the club were concerned by his injury record. The Daily Star report that the Italian club could be willing to sell as he is no longer indispensable under new manager Max Allegri.
Van Gaal could find himself in the middle of a goalkeeping carousel as Real Madrid step up their chase to find a replacement for Iker Casillas. Carlo Ancelotti is keen to upgrade on the great who is still Los Blancos' No 1 but a shadow of his former self.
Their main target was Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea but he seems happy enough being Louis van Gaal's most important player and may turn down a move back to his homeland - he was at Atletico Madrid from the age of 13. Real Madrid may now turn their attention to Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with Spurs apparently willing to sell their captain for £25m. This news has piqued United's interest and should De Gea move to Madrid, United could look to Lloris as a replacement.
A more pressing concern for United's Dutch coach is their defence, a problem that could be solved with a double swoop for German pair Mats Hummels and Benedikt Howedes.
The two World Cup winners would see a move to Manchester United as a step up, with Hummels said to be unhappy with struggling Borussia Dortmund and Howedes Schalke outside of Europe's elite.
EXITS...
Last season's boy wonder Adnan Januzaj is wanted by PSG in the summer, with the Belgian reported to be unhappy at his lack of playing time this season. Van Gaal ruled out a loan move for the winger last week.
Juventus are also linked with United loanee Radamel Falcao in the summer. The Colombian striker has not hit the heights expected of him so far and United, at the moment, will not be keen to fork out the £40m agreed with Monaco at the start of the season.
THE DEAL'S OFF...
A move for long-term target Wesley Sneijder could be off after the Galatasaray player's agent told clubs that he would not be available for a cut-price fee. The Dutchman has a release clause of £15.6m that must be met, according to Guido Albers.
The sensational return of Cristiano Ronaldo also looks to be dead in the water, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, saying Ronaldo will stay in Madrid and maybe move to the US late in his career.
Barcelona midfield enforcer Sergio Busquets and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben are both set to sign new deals at their current clubs, ending speculation that they are moving to Old Trafford.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments