Manchester United Transfer News: Di Maria, Garay, Rooney And Salah Discussed In Latest Rumors

Manchester United boss David Moyes says that he is relaxed about Wayne Rooney’s contract situation, insisting that there is no rush to extend the in-form forward’s current deal, which has just over 18 months left to run.

Rooney was widely thought to be eager to depart Old Trafford in the summer after falling out of favor under Sir Alex Ferguson. Yet, despite bids from Chelsea, United refused to sell. The England international has since looked revitalized under Moyes and took his goal tally for the campaign to 12 with a brace in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

His contract predicament remains unresolved, however. As his deal continues to wind down, the power rests increasingly with the player. In just over a year’s time, the 28-year-old will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club. Yet, Moyes sounded a calm tone when asked about the situation after the contest at White Hart Lane.

“When will we talk to him about the contract? I don't really know,” he said, according to Sky Sports. “I think we are fine. We are just moving on from the summer. It will be done in good course. The appropriate people will talk when the time is right."

Moyes’s focus in the coming weeks is likely to turn sharply to how to bolster his squad in the January transfer window. With United having had a poor window in the summer, Moyes is thought to have been long-since devising plans to put things right in the New Year.

Those plans look unlikely to include long-time reported target Ezequiel Garay. The Benfica center-back is said to have been on United’s radar for more than a year, but the former Real Madrid man claims to be happy to remain in Portugal.

“I have learned a lot since I came to Benfica and I am very happy at the club," he told Benfica TV, according to Sky Sports.

Manchester United may also be frustrated should they pursue their reported interest in one of Garay’s Argentina international teammates, Angel di Maria. The Real Madrid star’s future has been the source of much debate since the big-money signing of Gareth Bale during the summer. While United and Arsenal have been linked, Spanish publication El Confidencial claims that the 25-year-old is keen on a move to Monaco. Di Maria’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who helped engineer the transfers of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Carvalho to the nouveau-riche Ligue 1 side over the summer.

There would be some surprise if Di Maria were to depart the Bernabeu in January, however. He has started 10 of Madrid’s 15 La Liga matches this season, admittedly in part due to injuries to Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, and has made a major contribution. Even when Ronaldo and Bale have been fit, manager Carlo Ancelotti has fitted Di Maria into the side in a midfield three.

One player that would be keen on a move to Old Trafford is Basel winger Mohamed Salah. The Morocco international furthered his reputation in England by scoring winners in both of Basel’s Champions League meetings with Chelsea this season, while he was also a major part of the Swiss club’s run to the Europa League semifinals last term. And the 21-year-old was not shy in stating his desire to join one of Europe’s big clubs.

"I'm very proud to have scored two goals against Chelsea," he said, reports The Sun. "I want to play for one of the best teams in the world. My favorites are Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea."

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