27th June 2011 – Manchester United plan Spanish raid

In what has already been a busy month for Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson is close to capturing his number one target for the summer, David de Gea. The Mirror claims that Manchester United is set to sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea as early as this week. The newspaper claims that Sir Alex Ferguson expects to finally make the goalkeeper a Manchester United player by the end of this week in a deal that could be worth as much as £18m.

David de Gea, who was instrumental in Spain lifting the under 21 European Championship on Saturday has been pin pointed by Sir Alex Ferguson as the natural successor to Edwin van der Sar, who retired at the end of last season. The newspaper claims that Manchester United officials are in Madrid working on finalising the deal in the coming days which would take Manchester United's summer spending past £50. David de Gea will join Ashley Young and Phil Jones at Old Trafford next season in what will be a new look Manchester United side.

The Mirror claims that Manchester United is set to offer Barcelona £15m for their highly rated youngster Thiago Alcantara. The midfielder was the star of Spain's Euro under 21 squad that defeated Switzerland 2-0 in Saturday's final. The newspaper claim that Barcelona wants a buy back clause on the player, something Manchester Unted will not accept. Barcelona are said to be willing to offload the youngster however, not to a Champions League rival. With Thiago not set to feature for Barcelona next season, it may be difficult to keep their highly rated midfielder.

There are rumours circulating across the English and Scottish newspapers that Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre is a target for Manchester United. The player himself claims that Manchester United is monitoring him and has said he will welcome the opportunity to play for the club. The Honduran said: Regarding possibilities, I prefer to stay silent as I did when Celtic signed me. This is a job of my agent. I have to confirm it's 100% true that Manchester United were following me and were interested in me. If I have the chance I welcome the move with open arms. If that is the case I will thank God and I will take my opportunity."

In news surrounding player departures, Nani has pledged his future to Manchester United and has welcomed the signing of Ashley Young. After being on the bench for the Champions League final and Ashley Young's subsequent arrival, speculation has been rife that Nani could be on his way out of Old Trafford but the winger has moved to deny any move away from the club. Regarding the speculation, Nani said: "Of course I have to welcome everyone they sign, I think Man United is a fantastic club. When they bring in new players, they know if it is good for the team or not, and this (Young signing) has to help them,"

The Mirror has suggested that Newcastle may enter the race to sign Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson from under the noses of rivals Sunderland. Manchester United has accepted an offer from Sunderland and Gibson is due to meet Sunderland officials to discuss personal terms but Newcastle are ready to make their own bid for the player. The newspaper suggests that Newcastle are preparing n offer for the player and will make their position clear in the next 48 hours.