Manchester United in the hunt for Juve’s Arturo Vidal

Just when Manchester United fans thought their side had turned a corner, a home defeat to Tottenham – their fourth at Old Trafford already this season – has brought expectations crashing down once again.

Defeat to the Lilywhites leaves United in seventh place in the Premier League – some 11 points behind leaders Arsenal – priced at 33/1 to retain their crown and in desperate need of reinforcements.

The champions have been linked with a plethora of midfielders in recent months with the need for a boost in the middle of the park predating even David Moyes’ arrival in the north-west.

Moyes identified a host of top targets in the summer but was ultimately let down by the club’s hierarchy and now the new Red Devils boss is sure to redouble his efforts in the January transfer window.

While a mooted £50m deal for Everton’s Ross Barkley seems as likely as an Oscar for Danny Dyer, United are said to be targeting Juventus star Arturo Vidal and willing to break the bank to seal his arrival.

With the Chilean intent on remaining in Turin and enjoying a successful spell in Italy – having won Serie A and the Supercoppa for the last two years – the deal may seem as far-fetched as the supposed valuation of Barkley.

However, reports in French newspaper Le 10 Sport claim the way to the South American’s heart may be through his pocket.

The publication suggests that while the former Bayer Leverkusen man is more than happy with life in Italy he could be persuaded to move if lucrative personal terms were offered.

Vidal’s goal contribution for the Old Lady has been impressive following his switch from the Bundesliga – with 24 strikes from 81 games – but with United soon to welcome Robin van Persie back to the starting XI it is his other talents that will have United fans hoping this story has legs.

The midfielder has chipped in with 16 assists during his time at the Juventus Stadium and boasts passing accuracy and tackling success statistics that rival those of any other player in world football.

And with Moyes’ men now priced as big as 17/10 to secure Champions League football next term, the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping the club goes all out to secure the 26-year-old’s services.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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