Manchester United transfer news: United 'consider club-record £48m bid' for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke as Louis van Gaal begins restructuring
Koke shone this season as Atletico sealed the La Liga title but he has been identified as one of United's prime targets for sign this summer
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 are hopeful that they can land Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke in a £48m move that would smash their current transfer record as the Louis van Gaal era begins to take shape.
With the current Netherlands manager appointed as the replacement to David Moyes earlier this month, United have begun their plans to revamp the squad in an effort to return to the Champions League after their disastrous campaign following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Having identified Koke as a potential summer target, United were originally hopeful that they could negotiate a move for the 22-year-old, but Atletico’s reluctance to sell one of their brightest talents has led to the Premier League club consider a move to activate his £48m release clause.
The newly-crowned Spanish league champions could be raided this summer after the biggest clubs in Europe took notice of their triumphant La Liga campaign. With Diego Costa, Tiago and Filipe Luis all expected to be hotly pursued, Atletico are defiant that they do not want to sell Koke to any of their European rivals.
But Van Gaal is believed to have identified the young Spanish talent as the man United are currently missing in the heart of their midfield. Having signed Juan Mata from Chelsea for a record £37.1m in January, the club could quickly smash their biggest ever signing within six months should they activate the near-half-a-million clause in Koke’s contract.
It’s believed that the Red Devils are willing to offer Koke a contract in the region of £60,000-a-week, but could up his salary if it means they land the creative midfielder, who shone last season as he provided 13 assists in La Liga – the second most along with Cesc Fabregas – behind Real’s Angel Di Maria.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments