Source: realmadrid.com
Real Madrid’s Angel DI Maria may understandably tempt Manchester United, but the need for a midfielder of Sami Khedira’s quality is far greater.
The German international, who has found himself surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu following the signing of compatriot Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, possesses the ability to be a big hit at Old Trafford and cure the club’s midfield woes that have lingered for so long.
Louis Van Gaal has so far been unsuccessful in his lengthy pursuit of Juventus’ Arturo Vidal, and may make a late bid for a player already coveted by Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea.
Being unable to provide Champions League football at Old Trafford this season could prove a stumbling block, but United’s financial muscle could see them pull off an unlikely coup.
Khedira was part of the side that lifted Europe’s biggest prize under Carlo Ancelotti back in May, and also played a key role in Germany’s surge to World Cup glory in Brazil.
Kroos, Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso all reside above him in the pecking order, with the 27-year-old unlikely to accept playing second fiddle and instead expected to opt for the challenges of pastures new.
Jose Mourinho coached the player during his turbulent three year spell in the Spanish capital and despite already swooping for Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic this year harbours hope of being reunited with the German international.
Arsene Wenger has spent big already on the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Callum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy yet still craves a defensive midfielder of sufficient mould to transform his side into genuine contenders for the major gongs in the game.
United themselves moved for Ander Herrera last month – and still only snared Marouane Fellaini from Everton less than a year ago – but still require reinforcements before the transfer window shuts in less than two week’s time.
Saturday’s home defeat to Swansea dented much of the pre-season optimism surrounding Van Gaal’s arrival, and a similar setback against Sunderland on Sunday will only serve to increase the pressure on CEO Ed Woodward to splash the cash.
Di Maria may arouse the most vivid thoughts of the spectacular, but come May it could be the guts and guile of Khedira that arrests the United slump.
– Jack (@ginjajack)