Red Devils to make bid for in-demand Atletico Madrid player
Manchester United have entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid’s Turkish international midfielder, Arda Turan.
According to Spanish media, United manager Louis Van Gaal is ready to spend £28m to sign Turan this summer – under the noses of fellow Premier League rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Aside from the interest from the English top-flight, several of Europe’s elite remain keen to land the former Galatasaray man – including Italian title-holders, Juventus.
However, Atletico are unwilling to let the 28-year-old depart for Old Trafford, and want him to honour his current contract in the Spanish capital, which has two-years to run.
Istanbul-born Turan has made 127 appearances during his four-years in Madrid, 51 of which came last term, as Diego Simeone’s side finished third in the La Liga standings.
He is also experienced on the international stage, with the hot-headed individual capped 81 times by Turkey.
“Change of scenery”
Arda’s agent, Ahmet Bulut, has fueled speculation that his client could be on the move, after saying that the player wants a ‘change of scenery’ – and that Turan’s intentions are to leave Spain in the summer transfer window, with his eyes set upon the Premier League.
Bulut said: “He intends to leave Spain this summer.
“It is his will to go out to play in the Premier League, that is where he would like to continue his career at this time.
“His departure from Atletico is not easy because he has a clause of £29m. There are ongoing talks with three teams at the moment.
“I cannot say their names, but they are the best of England and European football.”
by Ben Reardon
