Transfer Gossip: Van Gaal transfer flop wants Man Utd return as Ten Hag considers shock move; Mudryk torn as Arsenal chase Plan B instead
Manchester United are considering a move to bring a former star back to Old Trafford, Arsenal are pushing to sign their Plan B amid claims Mykhaylo Mudryk has had his head turned, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims two European heavyweights are vying to sign Wilfried Zaha.
MEMPHIS DEPAY SEEKING MAN UTD RETURN
Barcelona attacker Memphis Depay has decided he wants to rejoin Manchester United with his Nou Camp exit looming large.
The Dutchman has slipped way down the pecking order under Xavi Hernandez, having only started four games this season. And with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati all ahead of him, it’s easy to see why game-time has been so limited.
His deal at the Nou Camp expires in the summer and the player is now eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement overseas.
United need a new forward following Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure. And with finances tight at Old Trafford this month, it seems Memphis can provide the solution.
Despite Xavi having no intention to hand him a new deal, the Barcelona boss has recently sent a message to Man Utd and any other suitors over the attacker.
However, as per Sport, Depay has made his mind up and made clear he wants to return to Old Trafford.
And they claim, with just six months left on his deal, an offer from Erik ten Hag will likely see Barcelona accept.
They claim talks have already taken place and Memphis has made clear his wish to return.
Ten Hag considers swoop for Memphis
Ten Hag is reportedly considering a move before the January window shuts; presumably as he also has other irons in the fire.
Per reports, Barcelona could allow Memphis to leave for a fee of around £7m this month. United, though, would prefer a loan deal until the end of the season.
And any deal would likely contain a clause banning him from playing against Barcelona in their upcoming Europa League clashes.
But a return to Old Trafford would complete a remarkable career U-turn for the 28-year-old.
Signed by Louis van Gaal for a huge £25m from PSV in summer 2015, Depay stayed at United for two years. But his time at Old Trafford came under heavy fire, with one critic comparing him to Peruvian pan flute player.
He scored just seven goals in 53 games before being moved on to Lyon, where he became a huge success.
MUDRYK GETS COLD FEET AS ARSENAL TARGET ALTERNATIVE
Arsenal having second thoughts over pursuing a deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk amid claims of Chelsea’s pursuit for the winger.
The Shakhtar star finds himself one of the world’s most in-demand stars right now, coming with a huge valuation.
Indeed, the Ukrainian side are reportedly seeking as much as £88.5m for their star man.
Knowing Mudryk wants to sign for them, Arsenal have seen two bids – the latter worth £44.2m plus-add-ons – fall short.
And they now have a huge problem on their hands with Chelsea seemingly gazumping them over the deal.
They have been locked in talks with Shakhtar this week over his transfer and are edging closer to meeting their valuation.
Now The Sun claims that Mudryk is, for the first time, torn over which club to sign for. And with Chelsea seemingly prepared to outspend them for his signing, the Gunners will reportedly now look elsewhere.
As such, the Daily Telegraph claims Arsenal will not be drawn into a bidding war with Chelsea over Mudryk.
And the paper claims they will instead look to pursue the signing of Joao Felix instead.
The Portuguese striker looks set to leave Atletico Madrid this month on a loan deal. Atletico are reportedly seeking a fee of around £10.5m, together with the coverage of his wages until the season’s end.
And while that looks to much for Arsenal right now, they believe there is room for negotiation and that Felix could sign.
BIG GUNS BATTLE IT OUT FOR WILFRIED ZAHA
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is to choose between two huge clubs this year.
His contract at Selhurst Park is now in its final six months and the Eagles look likely to lose their star man on a free transfer.
But with the 30-year-old able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement overseas this month, the race to sign him is heating up.
Indeed, he has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham in recent months.
But the Evening Standard claims the winger is likely to head abroad – and will pick between Juventus and Barcelona.
The European giants are both keeping tabs on his situation and have reportedly made clear to his agents of their wish to sign him on a free.
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira still hopes Zaha could remain at Selhurst Park, however.
And providing an update on his situation, he stated: “We know the situation and we want to keep him. He’s an important player for the club and he’s loved here.
“We have to wait and see what he will decide to do. What matters is the commitment he is showing in the games.”
READ MORE: Palace among suitors for £10m-rated winger who once trialled at Barcelona
