Manchester United transfer news and rumours: Alex Song linked; £117m bid for Gareth Bale; Paul Pogba still 'loves' United
The latest transfer talk surrounding Old Trafford
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...
Manchester United are expressing an interest in Alex Song. The former Arsenal midfielder is currently on loan at West Ham where he has made a big impression. The 27-year-old looks certain to depart Barcelona permanently in the summer and the Irons are keen to become his official club. However, Manchester United are reportedly ready to hijack the deal.
A staggering bid of £117m has been lodged with Real Madrid for Gareth Bale, according to sources in Spain. The Welshman has come under scrutiny this season, with Real Madrid fans booing him for a perceived selfish style of play and even team-mates Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo making clear their frustration over the issue. The policy of turning over the star names at the Bernabeu has raised hope the world's most expensive player could leave - although both the club and player have denied the possibility recently.
Paul Pogba returning to the club remains a possibility. Conflicting statements have been emerging from Italy over the last 24 hours, with Juvenuts insisting they have no need to sell the France international but his agent Mino Raiola saying: "We’re happy there (at Juventus) but when the right moment comes to leave, we will seize it." Pogba's attitude contributed to his departure from Old Trafford, but despite being shooed out the club, the 21-year-old has opened the door to a return by saying he still "loves" Manchester United. “I’m impatient,” he told FourFourTwo about leaving United. “It was the feeling that I had. The coach had faith in me, but didn’t put me on. He said that I was too young. He said: ‘Your time will come.' It didn’t come. But it doesn’t mean I will speak ill of Manchester United. I love the club.”
Manchester United are thought to be the front-runners for Mats Hummels, although the German World Cup winner has been linked with just about every club going. He's spoken to Sky Italia to say he will be making no promises to Borussia Dortmund about his future: “I have never said I will stay until 2024 or 2030 or whenever. But I have stayed until today. I will stick to my way of not promising anything and maybe leave someday instead of saying I will stay forever and then leave all of a sudden. I am not really know as a globetrotter. I have been with two clubs in 26 years. Loyalty is important to me. The only thing I am concerned with right now is to play better than in the first half of the season. I was not satisfied at all with myself as one can imagine. I have gotten offers from different clubs ever since I have been with Dortmund.”
STAYING PUT...
Finally, Manchester United fans can breathe a big sigh of relief. Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists his team have no need for goalkeeper David De Gea - because Iker Casillas is better. "We already have the best goalkeeper in the world, which is Casillas. We also have Keylor Navas. I don’t see any need to get any other goalkeeper," said Calderon. "De Gea is perhaps also one of the best goalkeepers in the world but Casillas can still be at the top for three or four years. I don't see any need [for De Gea]."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments