The rebuild at Old Trafford looks set to continue. After splashing the cash on England left back Luke Shaw and Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera Manchester United now appear to have lined up a sensational £45 million move for Chile and Juventus star Arturo Vidal with left back Patrice Evra heading the other way as a makeweight. Speaking to Chilean newspaper La Tercera at half time of the match between Colo Colo and Olimpia, Vidal stated that he has heard the rumours about a move to Carrington and is "calm" about them but that "anyone would love to play for one the biggest clubs in the world".
The purchase of Vidal would make a lot of sense for Manchester United who have struggled in the centre of midfield in recent years. Last season without maestro and legend Paul Scholes Manchester United were forced to rely on the talents of Michael Carrick, Maroune Fellaini, Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher none of who were impressive. Indeed much of the blame for the sacking of David Moyes and the Red Devil's unprecedented seventh placed Premier League finish can be laid at the door of this midfield weakness. Perhaps the bigger question however, is how the English club would look to structure the proposed move for the Juventus man. After spending over £60 million on the purchases of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera another big spend would push Manchester United transfer outlay towards the hundred million pound mark.
With no Champions League money infusing the coffers this season such a large spend is a certainly a risk and it seems as if the Red Devils are planning to offset the cost of any deal by using France international and captain Patrice Evra as a makeweight.
Throughout, last season Manchester United underwent a very public flirtation with Everton and England left back Leighton Baines leading to speculation that Evra wasn't seen as part of the clubs long term future and would be released at the end of his contract in June 2014.
Ultimately however, the French internationals 45 combined league, cup and European appearances were enough to trigger a one year long contract extension. This hasn't been enough to secure Evra's future in England however, as it now seems that Manchester United are lining up a sensational £45 million plus Patrice Evra move for Vidal. The only sticking point is that Evra is holding out for the rest of his contract to be paid up in full before he will consent to any move.
