Aston Villa defender and Manchester United transfer target Ron Vlaar has little chance of moving to Old Trafford this month due to being plagued with injury. The Dutchman worked with Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad during the World Cup, and was a key part of their defence. United were keeping Vlaar as a back-up in case no other defenders were brought in, but a knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for another six weeks makes it even more unlikely that the Netherlands international will make a move to Van Gaal’s Red Devils before the transfer window’s conclusion. (Manchester Evening News).
Manchester United and Liverpool target Xherdan Shaqiri has made officially moved to Inter Milan today on a loan spell with an obligation to buy. The fee for the player after the loan has concluded is believed to be in the region of €15m plus add-ons. (gianlucadimarzio.com)
Manchester United are increasing their efforts to tempt Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea into signing a contract extension with the club before the end of the month. De Gea has just 18 months left remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, but van Gaal is reluctant to let him depart due to his incredible performances so far this season. (Manchester Evening News).
United youngster Ben Pearson, who has been likened to United icon Paul Scholes, has been released on a one-month loan to League One club Barnsley. Chances for youth players under Van Gaal have come thick and fast this season, but the England U19 international has found it difficult to squeeze into the first team. This loan spell will give the Red Devils Youth Player of the Year 2013 a chance to show his capabilities in the heart of midfield. (Squawka).
Burnley have agreed to bring 21-year-old Michael Keane to Turf Moor for an undisclosed fee. The United youngster spent the remaining months of last season on loan at Championship side Blackburn, before Sean Dyche agreed to take him on loan at Burnley. After a successful loan spell, the Clarets have agreed a fee which allows Keane to move permanently to Dyche’s side. Louis van Gaal was happy to let the defender depart from Old Trafford, as he was not part of his future plans as United boss. (manutd.com)
