Transfer news: Manchester United 'not in the running' for Arsenal target Mesut Ozil with interest remaining in Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera

David Moyes could also move for Leghton Baines but reports claim the Premier League champions will not be signing the 24-year-old German midfielder with the Gunners believed to have agreed a fee with Real Madrid

Jack de Menezes
Monday 02 September 2013 11:27 BST
Comments
Manchester United's Scottish manager David Moyes reacts
Manchester United's Scottish manager David Moyes reacts (Getty Images)

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 expected to make at least one major signing before the transfer window closes at 11pm tonight, but Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil appears unlikely to be one of those heading to Old Trafford.

Reports emerged this morning that Ozil is likely to leave Spain with both United and Arsenal interested in signing the 24-year-old Germany international, but Press Association believes that manager David Moyes is not interested in adding the attacking midfielder to his squad.

United are favourites to land midfielder Marouane Fellaini from Moyes’ former club Everton as well as his team-mate Leighton Baines, although they appear less likely to sign Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera after the club’s manager Ernesto Valverde claimed the 24-year-old Spaniard would not be leaving the club.

Both Fellaini and Baines have featured for the Toffees in their opening Premier League games, although Roberto Martinez’s side are yet to record a Premier League victory this season having kicked-off their campaign with three straight draws.

Martinez was critical of Moyes approach in trying to land the duo, and admitted his frustration that the transfer window is allowed to drag on after the beginning of the season.

Herrera meanwhile was left on the bench during Bilbao’s defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday, but Valverde admitted that it had nothing to do with interest from the Premier League champions.

“It had nothing to do with the bid from Manchester United,” claimed Valverde.

“I have not thought about it. I am not going to try to talk to him to convince him. I think he is going to stay. I’m going to repeat. I don’t see any movements in the transfer market tomorrow.”

Should United chase up the switch though, Herrera would need to fly to Manchester to complete a medical before the 11pm deadline, meaning the deal could happen late on in the night should Moyes change his mind and attempt to strengthen his midfield options.

Moyes said he was happy with his side’s performance despite losing 1-0 to rivals Liverpool at Anfield, and he insisted that the club were still trying to make moves in a transfer window that has seen them bring in only Uruguayan defender Guillermo Varela.

"There's a bit of all sorts of things going on," said Moyes. “Maybe in the next how many hours we will get a chance, but I can't give you a heads up.

"It's not too long before we will know."

The news of United's attentions turning away from Ozil will light up Arsenal fans' faces, with reports claiming that the Gunners have agreed a fee with the La Liga club over a transfer for the 47-capped German, although personal terms and a medical are yet to be confirmed and any potential deal is still far from complete.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in