Manchester United latest: Including Kaka and Buttner

Quite incredibly, Manchester United were linked with signing Brazilian playmaker Kaka this afternoon. The Real Madrid attacker was reported to be close to a season long loan switch to Old Trafford. ITV Football were among those to report that the bookies had lowered their prices on Manchester United being the destination for the former Ballon D'or winner. However Spanish football journalist Guillem Ballague rubbished the rumours on Twitter, claiming 'It is completely false'

The source for the link is believed to be from fake 'in the know' Twitter accounts. With Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa newly signed, and United needing a more orthodox central midfielder rather, it is hard to see where the Brazilian would have fitted in at Old Trafford.

More accurate are reports that United have made their move to sign a left-back, the man in question is Vitesse Arnhem defender Alexander Buttner. Dutch football website and usually trusted source Voetball International have claimed Buttner is on his way to Manchester for a medical tomorrow. The 23-year-old is expected to sign a five-year-deal according to reports, after the two clubs agreed a fee which is currently undisclosed.

Buttner was called up into Holland's preliminary squad for Euro 2012, an although he did not make the final 23, he is tipped as a future international. He was linked with a move to Southampton earlier this summer. He scored five goals in 32 appearances for Vitesse Arnhem last season, and he would provide much-needed back-up for Patrice Evra.

It would end United's interest in Leighton Baines, who United were linked with making 'one last bid' for on Friday evening. The 27-year-old is expected to line up for Everton against the Red Devils tomorrow night.

In other news, Rio Ferdinand is looking like missing United's Premier League kick-off tomorrow night, after picking up a leg injury in training. The news will give Sir Alex Ferguson a selection headache with central defenders Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans also ruled out with injury. There is still a possibility Ferdinand could play, with United refusing to confirm the severity of the injury, report the Guardian. If he is ruled out then Michael Carrick could be called upon as an emergency centre-back, which would also affect the expected shape of the midfield.

image: © Jan Solo

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.