Vidal vying for Old Trafford transfer

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has reportedly said he wants to move to Manchester United. It is thought that Louis van Gaal is prepared to offer £250,000-week to secure the player’s services and keep him out of the reach of other clubs.

Chelsea and Arsenal have expressed an interest, while Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Monaco are monitoring the situation. Juventus are believed to be open to offers, however pinning a value on Vidal is proving difficult. The Italian Champions have indicated that a deal could be concluded for in the region of £48m, while United are understood to be readying a bid of £35m plus Portuguese winger Nani.

The Red Devils have already snapped up another midfielder; Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao for £28.8m, while left back Luke Shaw arrived from Southampton for a reported fee in the region of £30m, with the two transfers being completed in the space of a couple of days.

No doubt this swoop would be the most impressive so far for Van Gaal, who is currently preparing the Netherlands for a World Cup quarter final clash against Costa Rica. The Clockwork Orange’s performances so far suggest the Dutchman is going to place an emphasis on attacking football next season, as he attempts to bring Champions League football back to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.

Considering how much the board are backing him however, suggests that is the minimum aim. Snatching the title back off Manchester City while keeping Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool at bay, could make next season the most exciting since records began.

United are odds-on at 8/13 to secure a top four finish, and 11/2 to win the Premier League next term. If they land Vidal, the Chilean will bring a box-to-box, combative element to the team, and an ability to chip in with assists and the odd spectacular. He has a couple of qualities that are similar to both Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, though he is by no means a like-for-like replacement for either.