Silly Season Part 2

It’s July 1st, and even though United have announced the signings of Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa already, the transfer window only officially opens today. With the European Championships also finishing tonight, we can expect to see the amount of transfer rumours increase over the coming weeks.

Leighton Baines (Everton)

Since United announced that they planned on sending young left-back, Fabio da Silva on loan next season, it has been strongly rumoured that United would be in the market for a back up defender for the ever ageing Patrice Evra. As mentioned in my previous post (http://oldtraffordfaithful.com/silly-season/), we were believed to be in the market to sign Spanish left back, Jordi Alba, however, he will be heading to Barcelona this season, leaving us to turn our attentions towards Everton’s Leighton Baines.

My sources (down at my local pub) have apparently spoken with Leighton’s wife, who confirmed to them that the transfer to Old Trafford would happen this summer.

He is a natural left back but still has a bit more room for improvement, with also a great eye for a set piece with his left foot. The press suggest that the deal could be anywhere between £12m and £20m. Im sure any deal will include performance related add ons, depending on the player and the clubs future success.

Reports claim Sir Alex wants Baines in the squad in time for the tour of South Africa and China which departs on the 16th July.

Chances of deal being completed 8/10

Joao Moutinho (FC Porto)

As always, whenever there is a major tournament, the players who shine get linked with moves around the world, and especially to the Premier League. Joao Moutinho of FC Porto is the latest. According to press reports he is wanted not only by United, but by Chelsea and Tottenham (as a replacement for Modric who is also linked with a move to United).

Moutinho put in some fantastic displays at Euro 2012, playing in all 5 games for Portugal, guiding them to the semi-finals where they lost out on penalties against Spain. He put in some sparkling display’s and finished the tournament with 2 assists to his name in a team that included Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. His value is apparently £35m, but reports suggest, United will enter negotiations some way south of that mark.

In my opinion, he would be a great addition to the United midfield. Not only can he pass the ball and create chances, he has some pace, as well as the ability to put in a tackle. But only time will tell whether this is just a rumour or if it has some substance.

Chances of deal being completed, at the moment 5/10.

Follow me on Twitter @benguest7

About Ben 128 Articles
27 year old football writer from South Yorkshire. United fan and Season Ticket holder in the Sir Alex Ferguson stand.

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