It has been revealed that a £20million fee has been agreed to sign Bayern Munich star Toni Kroos. The majority of the deal was completed under the tenure of David Moyes, but new boss Van Gaal has given the green light to finalise the signing.
A £20million price tag, it certainly seems that United have bagged themselves a bargain. Kroos was entering the last year of his contract at the Allianz Arena and had rejected all offers of a new contract as he believed he is not being paid enough compared to his team mates.
Van Gaal has reportedly been given at least a £150million war chest to revolutionise the squad, having finished a hugely disappointing seventh in the league last season.
It is understood that the Dutchman only sees four players who are good enough for the current starting eleven, those being Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and David De Gea.
Following the £27million flop of Marouane Fellaini, as well as the departures of Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand, it is clear that this is going to be a huge rebuilding task for Van Gaal which may take years.
Amongst those being targeted are Borussia Dortmund’s Matt Hummels, Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas and Southampton’s Luke Shaw. The deal for the young left-back looks to be all but done.
United may also look to raid Bayern Munich again for 30 year old Arjen Robben and the versatile Thomas Muller, who both have a very good relationship with their former boss.
There will certainly be a new look feel to United next season and many will say that is overdue. For too long have the side not strengthened sufficiently, in particular in midfield. If United can secure the signing of Fabregas they really would become a real force again.
Manchester United’s board expect a title challenge next season and do not want to finish outside the top four again. Van Gaal certainly has a big job on his hands, but he’s a man who can certainly get the best out of his players. If he can convert the squad to his philosophy and complete the deals as soon as possible then United can once again become one of the more dominant clubs in Europe.
What is essential is that the club finalise these deals now. Last summer, United were linked with many star players across Europe, but could not push them over the line and were left to panic buy with Fellani.
One thing is for certain Van Gaal has extremely high standards, he will not allow the club to have another disappointing summer transfer window again. United need a huge restructuring which may mean that the Dutchman has one of the hardest jobs in football at the moment.
Source: DSG
