A round-up of news and gossip relating to Manchester United over the past 24 hours.
Manchester United are hoping to wrap up the deal of Chilean sensation Angelo Henriquez. The attacker was photographed in Manchester ahead of and after a medical, and the deal is expected to be formalised shortly. Manchester City were looking to hijack the move for the striker, who can also play on either flank. The 18-year-old Universidad de Chile prospect had already agreed to join United in the future when a work permit becomes viable but Mancini is rumoured was also said to be interested, prompting United to fast track the deal.
Despite looking to sign the young striker, United remain interested in another goalscorer, Robin Van Persie. The Manchester Evening News tonight claimed that United are yet to meet Arsenal’s asking price. It was reported earlier in the day that Sir Alex Ferguson had intervened in United’s pursuit of the Dutchman by calling Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger personally in attempts to broker a deal. Although Wenger is adamant the player will not leave for a fee below £30m. Arsenal will however start negotiating on offers starting from £20m with add-ons and some sources of the Daily Mail believe the deal could be completed by the start of the Premier League season this weekend. The Sun also exclusively claim Arsenal are set to accept a £22 million offer from the Old Trafford club and that it is approaching a done deal.
Danny Welbeck is set to sign a new five-year contract at £75,000 per week. The 21-year-old striker broke into the United first-team last season and was rewarded with a spot in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad. Welbeck only has a year left on his contract and was hoping for his growing reputation at the club to be reflected in the new deal.
More good news is that Darren Fletcher is set to play a part in a friendly for United against Aberdeen tonight. He has been named on the bench. Rio Ferdinand will captain the side while Bebe is also set to start.
Since Everton sold Jack Rodwell to Manchester City, the need for Everton to raise funds has reduced and rendered Leighton Baines’ move to United further unlikely. According to the Mirror, Swansea left-back Neil Taylor is being touted as an alternative to Baines and the 22-year-old could be available at £5m.
Javier Hernandez has spoken to the club’s Inside United magazine about his time at Old Trafford thus far and his future at the club. Chicharito revealed that his ultimate dream is to win the treble and hopes he can help the club repeat the feats of 1999. The Mexican forward also spoke about the benefits of having an extended holiday this summer and switch off from football. The player has been involved in two consecutive summers of international duty with this summer being the first where he has been able to profit from a break.
image: © markscottjohnson
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