Manchester United Transfer Talk

With the end of the Euro 2012, all the attention of the football world has now diverted to the latest transfer happenings surrounding various elite European clubs.

One of them is Manchester United and the club has been heavily linked with a number of players over the past few days.

This article will run through the latest transfer talk and news related to the 19-times English champions.

1) Rafael Da Silva

Not exactly a transfer, but somewhat related to it. Brazilian youngster Rafael has signed a new contract with Manchester United, which would tie him with the club until the summer of 2016.

The 21-year-old played 18 games for the Red Devils last season and is expected to cement his status as United number one right back this season. Sir Alex Ferguson said he can become 'the best in the world' - Is he right?

2) Fabio Da Silva

Meanwhile, the other Da Silva, Fabio, is heading to Queen Park Rangers for a season-long loan deal.

The attacking left back has been unable to breakthrough into United’s first team until now and was previously linked with a move to Benfica.

However, no deal was struck between the two clubs and it is now clear that Fabio will be heading to Rangers instead, a team where he will surely get more playing time and experience to flourish at Old Trafford in the future.

The man in his path to the first team is Armand Traore - a defender playing for Arsenal when United demolished them 8-2 at Old Trafford, and was immediately sold.

3) Paul Pogba

Well, it’s finally official. Paul Pogba has left Manchester United to join Serie A champions Juventus.

The 19-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the latter over the past few months and his consequent departure comes as a huge blow to Alex Ferguson, who was hoping to convince Pogba to stay in Manchester with an improved and better contract.

However, it is still highly unlikely that the former Le Harve youngster will actually get sufficient playing time and opportunities with the Old Lady, as the club’s midfield is already overflowing and stacked with talented midfielders.

Is it a mistake? Time will tell, but at United his path to the first team would have been smoother, it appears he has been mis-advised.

4) Joao Moutinho

With Luka Modric’s price tag being too heavy and unrealistic for Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager has set his sights on Portugal star Joao Moutinho to fix United midfield problems.

According to several reports, United are ready to swoop in around £20 million pounds for the services of the 25-year-old star.

Moutinho could be a great addition to the Red Devils, considering he is versatile enough to play, both, as both a defensive midfielder, as well as an attacking midfielder, and also capable of adding immense creativity to the team.

Tottenham are also interested, with the Andre Villas-Boas connection, but United have stolen a march. His Euro 2012 performances have put him in the spotlight and increased his price tag.

5) Axel Witsel

According to The Express, Manchester United and Chelsea are set to be ‘in a tug of war’ Benfica star, Axel Witsel, this summer.

However, this news just looks like ‘another transfer rumour’, as it is highly unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson will be willing to pay Benfica’s transfer demand of £20 million pounds for the Belgium international.

Witsel might be a gritty no-nonsense defensive midfielder, he is still relatively unproven at the biggest stage and like Modric, overpriced by his club. Benfica paid just £6.9 million for the 23-year-old last season from Standard Liege.

Benfica have been linked with a move for United midfielder Anderson in an exchange deal, but United have so far given no indication they want to sell.

6) Lucas

The Mirror last night reported that United are sending a delegation to Brazil to attempt to sign midfielder Lucas Moura.

The player is only 19, but the paper report he could be worth up to £30 million, which appears excessive. Already a Brazilian international, he is highly rated, and tipped as the next world star.

Whether fans would like to see the club gamble their big money on a 19-year-old remains to be seen, but there is no denying Lucas' talent.

Who would you like to see as United's next signing?