ON THURSDAY, THE FOOTBALL press were briefed that Manchester United had lots of money to spend.
On Friday, there’s widespread coverage of what the club’s plans could be next summer.
The general consensus is that United’s board have much greater confidence in handing over large sums of cash to Louis van Gaal than they did with his predecessor David Moyes.
The Dutchman wants a litany of new additions to his side, including at least one centre-back, a right-back and winger. But he also retains a long-time admiration for central midfielder Kevin Strootman, who’s currently at Roma. Van Gaal should expect to pay around 25m to land the 24 year-old.
Elsewhere, Mats Hummels continues to be the prime defensive target though Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin is also on the radar.
With United having struggled to find a consistent right-back (Rafael’s injury history is a concern), 31 year-old Dani Alves has also emerged as a player Van Gaal could be interested in. The Barcelona full-back is a free agent next summer but he would command a big salary.
Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, 10 years after United lost out on the winger and watched him move to Chelsea instead.
Van Gaal does have a decision to make regarding his attackers. Radamel Falcao’s time at the club so far has proved problematic because of his fitness issues and a fully-fledged deal to sign the Colombian would seem a monstrous risk.
There’s also the Robin van Persie situation to deal with. The 31 year-old has struggled for form and with his contract wrapping up in the summer of 2016, there’s the possibility United will consider selling him at the end of the season to avoid losing him for nothing twelve months later.
