Vidal deal imminent as wages ‘agreed’ with United

Manchester United’s pursuit of Chile and Juventus box-to-box midfielder Arturo Vidal looks set to be nearing completion, after reports in Italy emerged that the player and his representatives have reached an agreement with the Red Devils regarding his wages.

At a market-leading price of 5/1 to win the Premier League under new boss Louis van Gaal, there has been a particular emphasis placed on the club to strengthen significantly this summer. However, the Dutchman was keen to give the whole squad a chance to impress in their pre-season tour of America.

Although Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera were brought in early this summer, it has given the former Netherlands manager an opportunity to see how he may build on that. Vidal would be an ideal foil for Spaniard and ex-Athletic Bilbao man Herrera, who likes to sit deep and dictate tempo a la Paul Scholes.

His wages are reportedly worth a staggering £182k-a-week, admittedly a lot for a 27-year-old who has had a worrying knee injury history. The fee that has been constantly circulated all summer is north of £40m, however it is understood that this is merely speculation, and no deal has actually been thrashed out between the two clubs. That said, this doesn’t mean Juventus won’t sell for a price that is right for them, on the contrary. Now his wages have been agreed, United remain keen to negotiate a deal that works for all parties, and the player could arrive at Old Trafford before the start of the coming season.

Another player who has been linked recently is Ajax and Netherlands rising star Daley Blind, who offers versatility combined with a huge amount potential. Van Gaal managed the player at the World Cup, so is aware of his ability, though nothing concrete has materialised as of yet. The Red Devils kick off their new campaign at home to Swansea City, and are odds-on at 3/10 for the win.