Reports today suggest that Manchester United have been priced out of a deal to sign West Ham United teenager Oscar Borg.
Manchester United have had quite the summer under new manager Louis van Gaal. Transfer activity started slowly for the Red Devils, as only Southampton left back Luke Shaw and Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera arrived before the opening game of the season against Swansea. The 2-1 defeat to the Swans ultimately jolted United into life in the transfer market, as the club have since brought in Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo, Real Madrid midfielder Angel Di Maria, Ajax utility man Daley Blind and Monaco striker Radamel Falcao as van Gaal took his spending to over £150m.
Some had hoped for even more signings, particularly in defence, and it seems that van Gaal had looked to strengthen that area of the pitch – but with more of an eye on the future rather than signing someone with the intention of having an instant impact.
According to the Daily Mail, United were priced out of a move to sign West Ham United youngster Oscar Borg. The 16-year-old is a left wing back who has impressed in the Hammers youth setup, and even spent time on trial at Old Trafford in a bid to impress the United hierarchy.
Borg, who has been with West Ham since he was 10, has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and even current Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, and seemingly suitably impressed United as they looked to tie up a deal.
However, it’s believed that the move broke down over the compensation fee which United would pay to bring Borg to Old Trafford. Now, they could miss out altogether as Borg – who also qualifies to play for Turkey – has offers from Galatasaray and Besiktas as they look to make the youngster turn his back on England.
If United are intent on signing Borg, then they will have to fight off the two Turkish clubs, and their long standing interest could well work in their favour here.
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