Coral’s Rumour Reel: Man Utd winning race for Benteke signature?

Louis van Gaal has significantly strengthened his Manchester United squad’s midfield ranks ahead of next season, but is still searching for a new frontman to lead the line in a bid to challenge for the Premier League title with Coral making the Red Devils 6/1 shots.

Liverpool have been linked with Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke all summer long, but the Red Devils look to be ahead of their close rivals in the race to sign the Belgium international striker this year.

Van Gaal is reportedly set to make a bid of around £32.5m in order to tempt Tim Sherwood into selling his star man, who played a vital role in keeping the Villans in the top tier last term.

Meanwhile, Angel Di Maria is repeatedly linked with a switch to French champions PSG, with Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani possibly heading to Old Trafford as part of any deal.

In the capital, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham are ready to offload out-of-favour Spanish striker Roberto Soldado and are willing to take a huge hit on the price. Spurs signed the Spaniard from Valencia in 2013 but could sell him to Sevilla for half the £26m they paid two years ago.

Although, the London club’s attempts to lure Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy to White Hart Lane has hit a stumbling block, as Everton boss Roberto Martinez has stated his midfielder will not be sold to them or Manchester City.