LONDON (Sporting Alert) — Manchester United will get rid of both Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao and try to sign Gareth Bale and Christian Benteke in the summer, according to the latest transfer gossips.
United manager Louis van Gaal is apparently a keen admirer of Benteke and would like to bring the Aston Villa forward to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, the Daily Star is reporting.
Benteke has been in superb form since returning from injury in the second part of the season and he is aware that a number of clubs have him on their radar.
The Belgium international told Sky Sports earlier this month that he will sit down and talk with Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood about his future at the end of season, and the boss admits that the star forward could be sold if he doesn’t show a commitment to staying.
“There’s been no indication to me that he wants to go elsewhere,” Sherwood said ahead of the FA Cup clash with Liverpool. “But if he does we will assess the situation.
“You don’t want players going into the last 18 months of their contract.
“He’s a top player and I want to keep him. But you can’t force any player to stay.
“You might as well take the money because you end up without the money or the player.”
It is understood that Manchester United, who will reportedly let the on-loan Falcao and the aging Van Persie leave in the summer, as well as send youngster James Wilson on loan, are ready to make a bid for the £25m-rated 24-year-old free scoring frontman.
Benteke has scored 10 goals in the English Premier League this season.
Liverpool are also said to be interested in signing Benteke as well with Mario Balotelli almost certain to lead Anfield in the summer.
However, the Aston Villa leading scorer wants to join a club that is playing in the Champions League and at the moment, Liverpool are sitting fifth on 57 points, four behind fourth place Manchester City.
Bale, in the meantime, has been strongly linked back to the EPL.
Leaders Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all preparing to battle for the Wales international this summer, with the Red Devils reportedly ready to let star goalkeeper David de Gea go the other way as part of their offer.
Meanwhile, Burnley forward Danny Ings, who was recently linked with a move to Old Trafford, remains a strong target for Liverpool, although he revealed that he wasn’t sure where he would be next season.
Manchester United have rubbish newspaper reports linking the Burnley man to the club, but the Independent reports that Liverpool believe he would be a good fit.
Ings, who is hoping to help Burnley out of the Premier League relegation zone, says he doesn’t want to join a club where he will spend most of his time sitting on the bench.
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