Bayern Munich are reportedly set to award star forward Thomas Muller a new and improved contract, putting an end to ongoing transfer rumours linking the German with a move to Old Trafford.
That's according to SportBild ((h/t Daily Star's Jamie Anderson), which believe the 25-year-old is in line for a significant raise on his current wages of £110,000 per week. The magazine splashed the news all over its cover, as shared by sports writer Christian Falk:
The Germany international has been talked about as a potential transfer target for United all summer long, with the latest rumours suggesting the club could make a £71.9 million offer for his services, per Anderson.
Bayern remain adamant the forward is not for sale, with the likes of sporting director Matthias Sammer ruling out a move in recent weeks, via sports writer Pete O'Rourke:
Handing a star player a new and improved contract remains the best way to quash any transfer rumours, however, and it seems the Bavarians have the same idea.
Muller has spent his entire professional career with Die Rekordmeister and has become one of manager Pep Guardiola's most pivotal players, establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the world. At the age of 25, he has already won just about every major trophy, including the 2014 World Cup with Germany.
He's not a traditional striker or second striker but instead plays a free role for the Bavarians, serving as the link-up player between the midfielders and Robert Lewandowski and handling the ball all over the pitch. Last season, he managed to score 13 goals in the Bundesliga and added 10 assists, via WhoScored.com.
United's forwards have had a rocky start to the 2015-16 season as a group, and the club has scored just one Premier League goal themselves through three matches, with Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker chipping in an own goal as well.
As a result, the Red Devils have been linked with a host of star forwards, and STV Sport's Stefan Bienkowski couldn't help but crack a joke:
According to Sky Germany (h/t Daily Star's Alex Harris) the Mancunians are preparing to make one final offer for Muller before the end of the summer window, but an actual transfer has never seemed likely. And if the Bavarians do indeed offer Muller a new contract with better terms, United's chances of landing his signature may be worse than ever.
Victor Valdes Nears Besiktas Move
According to Futbol Arena's Ertan Suzgun (h/t Daily Star's Jack Wilson) goalkeeper Victor Valdes is set to join Turkish side Besiktas on a two-year-deal, with official confirmation of the move expected at some point in the coming days.
The 33-year-old former Barcelona star will earn some £1.5 million per year with Besiktas, bringing an end to his short time with the Red Devils.
Valdes was given the opportunity to rehabilitate at the club following his departure from Barcelona, and before long, United offered him a contract. He replaced David De Gea when the latter suffered an injury late in the season, but following Valdes' refusal to play in a reserve match this summer, manager Louis van Gaal made the decision to sell him, per the Daily Mirror's David McDonnell.
Per Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst, the Red Devils have done their very best to freeze out the veteran stopper since then:
Providing he doesn't leave the club during the summer transfer window, De Gea is in line to be United's starter in goal this season, with summer arrival Sergio Romero backing him up. As of right now, Anders Lindegaard is also still in the mix.
That means United have no real need for Valdes, regardless of the summer incident, opening the door for a transfer even wider.
The Turkish league has always been a top destination for slightly older players looking for competitive football, the chance to play in the Champions League and a final big payday, and the Red Devils in particular have been popular in 2015.
Robin van Persie and Nani have already moved to Fenerbahce, and it seems likely Valdes will join the duo, although he'll be moving to a different part of Istanbul.
Valdes showed flashes of his old form in spot duty for the Red Devils last season in an attempt to return to full health following the devastating knee injury that forced him to miss the 2014 World Cup. The injury effectively ended his time with Barcelona, and while his recovery seems to have gone just fine, the signing would still represent a bit of a risk for Besiktas.
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