Latest News: Manchester United have agreed a British record transfer fee of 59.7 million pounds ($99 million) to secure Angel di Maria from Real Madrid and are set to announce his transfer officially on Tuesday, British media reported.
The Argentina winger arrived in Manchester on Monday and would have a medical test later on Tuesday, British newspapers said.
The transfer fee outstrips the 50 million pounds English Premier League rivals Chelsea paid Liverpool for Spain striker Fernando Torres in 2011.
United declined comment.
Di Maria cost Real 20 million pounds from Benfica in 2010 and he was a key part of the team that won the club's 10th European Cup last term but he was omitted from the squad for the Spanish Super Cup last week.
The 26-year-old turned down a new deal at the Bernabeu and Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Sunday he had bade farewell to players and staff.
Di Maria's signing would provide a boost for Louis van Gaal-coached United, who have taken only one point from their opening two games of the Premier League season.
More to come
The heart of a Real Madrid team that won the Champions League and then, went on to serve home countries to glory at the World Cup in Brazil may now beat for Manchester United.
And the Red Devils are in serious need of some champion-like inspiration.
United fans are holding their breath as not one, but three Madrid players are up for grabs – Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Sami Khedira (Germany) and the latest surprise, Xabi Alonso (Spain).
Marca was being quoted this morning as reporting that Di Maria has asked for a move to Old Trafford.
The Daily Mirror believes Louis Van Gaal wants Khedira as well and is pushing for the double move.
The Daily Mail that Xabi Alonso could also be part of a deal – loan or permanent – being worked out between the Madrid giants and Manchester United.
Also in the mix is Brazil’s Cruzeiro club and their midfielder Lucas Silva. Silva's agent, Luis Rocha, was quoted in Super Esportes as saying: 'There are not many details. I can confirm that I was approached by people linked to Manchester United.”