Since Manchester United announced the signing on Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, transfer rumours regarding other players have intensified.
Last friday signalled the start of the Euro’s, as well as fresh speculation linking both Robert Lewandowski and Luka Modric with moves to Old Trafford.
The summer tournament kicked off with a bang with an enthralling 1-1 draw between hosts Poland and 2004 Champions Greece. However, Manchester United fans will have been more interested with pre-match events after Poland head coach Franciszek Smuda revealed, his key striker, Robert Lewandowski’s possible summer destination.
Three of the Polish first team players currently represent Borussia Dortmund at club level. Before the Euro 2012 opener the Poland manager made this statement:
“In my opinion, in a moment they will be gone from Borussia Dortmund,” Smuda said. “Lewy is going to Manchester United, Jakub also somewhere in England, Lukasz Piszczek to Real Madrid. They have a goal and they want to grow. I base the squad on them”
Lewandowski’s former Dortmund team-mate, Kagawa, has already signed for the Old Trafford outfit, and it would be a significant coup for United if they could land yet another of the Bundesliga champions’ prized assets
However, the Polish stiker dodged questions linking him with United after his side’s 1-1 draw.
Lewandowski, was awarded man of the match as he scored Poland’s goal in the first half, only to see Greek substitute Dimitris Salpigidis equalise after the break in a match which saw both teams finish the game with 10 men.
The Borussia Dortmund front man, however, refused to confirm Franciszek Smuda’s earlier suggestion that he would be playing at Old Trafford next season.
Considering Berbatov will probably make his exit from Manchester this summer, the 23-year-old hitman would be an excellent replacement. Having scored 23 Bundesliga goals last season for Dortmund, he’s a proven player at the top level of European football, his goal on Saturday emphasized this point.
Lewandowski has been on the Premier League giant’s radar for some time, and now it seems United may have finally made a major move to bag their man
Luka Modric is a name that’s been linked with the club since the end of January. According to various sources, including the Sun (not the most reliable – I know) Tottenham are ready to accept a bid of around £25 million + additional fees of up to £5 million for the Croatian. This rumour was brought to many football fans attention as the news started trending on Twitter.
Obviously there is a very limited amount of truth that can be taken from these two sources. But surely the excitement from the huge number of United fans worldwide, is enough to warrant a transfer offer being made.
In the past, I’ve heard a minority of people suggesting that Modric is an extremely over-rated player, but I disagree. He would provide the perfect creative edge in the middle of the park – a quality that United are currently missing.
At £25 million, a transfer between Manchester United and Tottenham would provide a good deal for the Red Devils. Especially considering Modric’s situation last summer, when he subject of speculation linking him to Chelsea for almost double the price.
Tottenham had to fight to keep Modric from Roman Abramovich’s clutches last year. But with Harry Redknapp’s side narrowly missing out on Champions League football next season, the club look likely to lose several big stars this summer
The 26-year-old midfielder is currently preparing with Croatia for their Euro 2012 opener against the Republic of Ireland, decisions regarding his future will surely be left until after the tournament. So watch this space…
For a few of weeks now, speculation linking Leighton Baines with a move to Old Trafford has lined the back pages of the papers. Ferguson is said to be eyeing a long term successor for, current club captain, Patrice Evra.
Recently Manchester United have ramped up their intent to sign the England international, according to Goal.com.
David Moyes’ side have slapped a £20 million price tag on the 27-year-old, but United are confident a bid of up to £15m will secure the signing of the adventurous full-back.
For now, Baines has insisted his focus is with the England team, as they prepare for a tough opening group D fixture against France.
Clearly none of these players are willing to decide on their future whilst they are still involved in Euro 2012, therefore expect transfer activity at Old Trafford to freeze until the tournament is over. No doubt as the competition progresses, United will be linked with any players that impress in Poland and Ukraine – but that is just the nature of the club.
Having said this, July should be an extremely exciting month for United fans. As the international matches come to an end, Sir Alex and the players will be able to focus on the start of the 2012-13 season, expect signings to be made accordingly.