Manchester United are lining up a shock bid for Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Following United’s 2-1 home defeat against Swansea, boss Van Gaal has been forced to step up in his efforts and search for the players needed to make a challenge for the top four this season.
Arturo Vidal and Kevin Strootman have both been heavily linked with Old Trafford this summer, but it is understood that Van Gaal has turned his attentions to Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid are seemingly unhappy with Alonso after the player had returned to pre-season with significant weight-loss and are now willing to let the Spanish international leave.
Alonso could also be allowed to leave to ease up the pressure in Madrid’s heavily populated midfield stars, with Sami Khedira looking increasingly likely to be staying in Madrid.
That could severely impact on Arsenal and Chelsea’s hopes of landing Khedira, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Real.
It now remains to be seen whether United step up their interest in Alonso with the transfer window drawing to a close.
By Ollie Brown
