MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER RUMOURS: Rodriguez, Ganso, Papadopoulos And Nani Involved In Latest Speculation
Manchester United look to be one of the more active clubs in the transfer window this summer as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to construct a squad capable of returning the club to glory both at home and in Europe.
The latest speculation suggests that Ferguson may be looking to replace Nani with Porto winger James Rodriguez. Talks have stalled on negotiations to extend Nani's contract, which has two years left to run, prompting the Mirror to suggest that Ferguson may be trying to force him out.
Notably without any quotes or named sources, the story claims that Nani has been left disillusioned about a lack of contact from United while he is with Portugal at Euro 2012.
Though a similarly tricky wide man, Rodriguez would offer a United a left-footed option, something not present with Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia or Nani.
The Colombian was a big hit in the Portuguese Liga last season, netting 13 goals in 20 appearances. The Mirror reports that United have been tracking him throughout the last campaign. But, talking to Sky Sports, a Porto source said the club has yet to receive any offers for their 20-year-old starlet.
We have not received any formal offer for James Rodriguez, only rumors from the papers and that is normal for this time of year.
If something should arrive then we would study it and evaluate the situation, we do know Manchester United and other English clubs have watched various games this year.
United has also been linked to another of the game's most exciting youngsters in recent times in Paulo Henrique Ganso. The Santos attacking midfielder is already a full Brazilian international and is said to have been monitored by some of Europe's top clubs.
The 22-year-old has said that he is fully focused on Santos at the moment, with his club in the semi-finals of the prestigious Copa Libertadores.
I haven't thought about it yet, I'm focusing on the Libertadores, he told Lancenet. I'll think a lot when that moment comes.
It will be hard. It's a complicated decision because this is my second home.
Ganso went onto say that when he does leave it would have to be for one of Europe's giants.
'll be happy if I can play for a big team. Santos are a big team so I have to move to another big team.
I want to fight for titles, I don't want to play for a team that fights against relegation.
While United, like any top club, would doubtless have looked at Ganso in the past, it is unlikely that their interest is ongoing. Having just signed Shinji Kagawa, there is little chance that United will be spending big on a player who offers similar abilities anytime soon.
As is common during major tournaments, impressive performers are linked to big money moves to the Premier League. While the speculation rarely comes to fruition, there may be some truth to rumors linking United with Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
The 20-year-old was crucial as Greece shut out Russia to get a crucial victory and advance to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals and is seen as a future star for the national team. Reports suggest that Ferguson is already well aware of the Schalke center-back's talents and has been monitoring him for some time.
And Papadopoulos has admitted that he is flattered to hear of United's interest, although there is nothing concrete as yet.
I don't know if there is any interest from Manchester United, he told Sky Sports.
It's an honor for me to hear that such a big club likes my football, but at the moment I don't know anything about it.
Of course I would like to someday play for Manchester United, but I am a player of Schalke and I am focused on them.
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