Manchester United Transfer News: Arturo Vidal To Old Trafford? Blind, Cuadrado In Latest Rumors

The massive rebuilding effort by Manchester United after the disappointing 2013-2014 season under former manager David Moyes continues to unfold as Louis van Gaal appears to be nearing a major deal to lure a star playmaker to Old Trafford with the season opener against Swansea City nearly a week away and the transfer deadline at month’s end.

After adding Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera in late June, Manchester United and Juventus have agreed to a £47 million transfer deal for Arturo Vidal, according to reports. Vidal will receive a £182,000-a-week contract, according to The Independent. There had been doubts surrounding Vidal due to a right knee injury he suffered before the World Cup. Vidal, who is among the most prolific central midfielders in the world, would still play in the tournament and helped lead Chile to the Round of 16. Still, Vidal’s fitness was considered a stumbling block, and the faster and more aggressive play of the Premier League compared to Serie A may have factored into Van Gaal’s apprehension.

Should the deal go through, it would mean a massive profit for Juventus. Vidal joined the famed Italian club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 on a €10.5 million (£8.4 million). He scored 28 goals in 95 appearances for Juventus, who won the Serie A title in all three seasons with Vidal on the squad and after finishing in seventh place in 2010-2011.

The Red Devils continue to be linked to other notable names, including Daley Blind. The holding central midfielder played for Van Gaal in the World Cup, and shined during the 2013-2014 season for Ajax. Blind has been a hot commodity for United during much of the summer, and Van Gaal has considered adding the 24-year-old due to his ability to fit into the 3-5-2 formation. No other club has been rumored to have interest in Blind, who has a valuation of roughly £15 million.

Meanwhile, Juan Cuadrado has also been involved in United transfer speculation this summer and a conclusion to the saga may be ending very soon. The Express reported on Friday that United were close to a deal for the Colombian winger, who has been with Fiorentina since 2012. However, Spanish publication Sport reported this week that United are in a tight battle with Barcelona for Cuadrado, and that Barcelona were the favorites to land the 26-year-old.

Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle has conceded that the Serie A club has little chance of retaining Cuadrado, suggesting that his transfer is imminent. Fiorentina stand to receive roughly £35 million on the transfer.

An IB Times Staff reporter contributed to this report.