Manchester United Transfer News: Di Maria, Begovic, Eriksen And De Gea Involved In Latest Speculation

Less than a week before they meet in the last 16 of the Champions League, Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria.

The story comes from Spanish publication Marca, which states that United could battle it out with big-spending French outfit Paris Saint-Germain for the Argentina international's signing. No official approach is believed to have been made for Di Maria, although both United and PSG are said to be monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation at the Bernabeu.

Although Di Maria has been a regular in the side in recent weeks, he had appeared to have fallen out of favor with Madrid boss Jose Mourinho earlier in the season. According to Marca, Di Maria’s relationship with the club’s hierarchy is also not the best following protracted contract negotiations.

If United pursue their interest in Di Maria, it would cast further doubt over the future of Nani as well as potentially Antonio Valencia. A new winger is already slated to arrive at Old Trafford for next season in the form of Wilfried Zaha.

Portugal international Nani has less than 18 months remaining on his contract and has been repeatedly linked with a move in recent months. Valencia, in exceptional form at the end of last season and the beginning of this campaign, has seen his performance levels drop of late.

The main transfer story surrounding Manchester United continues to be over Asmir Begovic.

The Stoke City goalkeeper has been linked with United for some time, speculation which only increased when the Potters signed and then loaned back England stopper Jack Butland until the end of the season. It has suggested that Butland was signed as a replacement for Begovic.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has dismissed that notion, but wouldn’t rule out Begovic’s departure.

"If Manchester United come in and offer an enormous amount of money or someone else does, we would have to look at it," Pulis said, according to Sky Sports.

"But I haven't brought in Butland because of that."

"If it comes to next season and we've still got three goalkeepers and feel Jack isn't ready, he'll be loaned out again," he added.

"There was no thought in my mind of bringing Butland in just in case Asmir went. We felt it was a fantastic opportunity.”

The link with Begovic has come about amid talk that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has grown frustrated with David de Gea and could be set to cut his losses on the Spanish goalkeeper this summer. Ferguson has vehemently denied those claims. However, Metro has become the latest source to link De Gea with a move, claiming that former club Atletico Madrid are considering an attempt to take the 22-year-old on-loan this summer.

One of the most well trodden transfer rumors involving Manchester United has again reared its head, with the Daily Express claiming that the Premier League leaders are battling it out to sign Ajax attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen.

Long seen as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, the 20-year-old Denmark international has been repeatedly linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but has always said that his development would be best served by remaining at Ajax for the time being.

That could change, though, this summer, according to Ajax director of football Marc Overmars.

“I think Christian first wants to see what clubs next summer will come in for him,” the former Arsenal and Netherlands winger told Give Me football.

“If there is no suitable club for him in between this, I hope he stays at Ajax.”