It was always going to be a big summer for Manchester United. After last seasons 7th place finish and the sacking of David Moyes, the Red Devils were set for a busy transfer window. Especially with new manager Louis Van Gaal aiming not only to get back into the Champions League, but also to challenge for the league title once again. United have already aquired the services of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera this sumer, but fans are expecting more signings to come. And they could well be right.
Angel Di Maria is currently preparing for the biggest game of his life, the World Cup final. It's not yet certain whether Di Maria will be fit enough to play for Argentina against Brazil on Sunday, but he's had a big hand in getting them there in the first place. Di Maria scored a crutial goal against Switzerland in the last 16 stage to send Argentina into the next round and has linked up well with Lionel Messi. His tireless work out on the pitch and added creativity in midfield has earned Di Maria many plaudits over the course of a highly successful season for the Argentinian. Di Maria finished at the top of La Liga's assist charts, with 17, and secured both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League with Real Madrid last season. Although despite adapting brilliantly to playing in centre midfield for Carlo Ancelotti last season, it appears that Real Madrid could be set to offload Di Maria this summer. However, this wouldn't be the first time that Real had sold one of their most impressive players, with Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain leaving Real Madrid at the start of last season.
If Di Maria were to leave Real Madrid, it's reported that it would take an offer of around £40-50m for the 26 year old. It would be worth it though, for a player who's experienced at the highest level, approaching the peak of his career and in arguably the best form of his life. Monaco and PSG emerged as front-runners for Di Maria's signature earlier in the summer, but despite having the cash to make of move for him, it seems unlikely that Di Maria would join either of these clubs. If he was to leave Real, it would be to come to the Premier League. Manchester United are clear favourites in that race. SkyBet have odds of 1/3 of Di Maria joining United this summer, after consistant rumours during the last few days.
It was reported by Metro earlier today that Di Maria was close to agreeing personal terms with the Red Devils. It would appear that United are very much interested in signing Di Maria. And why wouldn't they? He would be a magnificent signing for Louis Van Gaal and would add another dimension to his midfield. Di Maria is versitle, in the sense that he could play wide or more centrally in the midfield. He's creative, good on the ball and is often unselfish when in and around the goalmouth area. But most importantly, Di Maria is a big-game player, he performs on the big occassions and delivers on the highest stage. During last seasons Champions League final, Di Maria was named man-of-the-match, and was presented the award by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. He's certainly a player that Man Utd appear to be watching, and watching with great interest. Van Gaal and Ed Woodward will realise that if they pull this one off, they could be right back in the mix for the title.