According to reports in English Media outlet DAILY EXPRESS, Manchester United had reportedly sent scouts at Schalke to keep a close eye on German duo Julian Draxler and Benedikt Howedes. It is believed that Red Devils’ scouts were present at the Veltins-Arena and were keeping a close eye on their rumoured transfer targets.
Draxler has been a long term Arsenal target but given United’s potential transfer kitty, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him switch loyalties at end up at Old Trafford in the near summer. The German youngster can play in every midfield position, mainly in the chief attacking midfield role or even as a supporting striker down the middle. The 21 year old Draxler is a hot target for a majority of European clubs including Chelsea as has been reported in the story.
United though are also looking at Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes. January cannot come faster for manage Louis van Gaal who is desperate to strengthen his defensive back line. Howedes, playing as a left back was ever present in Germany’s world Cup triumph, but teh 26 year old primarily positions himself in the centre of the defense. It is his versatility that might have impressed Van Gaal who is known to also have checked with his availability when he was in charge at Bayern Munich.
Howedes though has a contract with the Bundesliga side till in 2017 and is valued at around €18m according to Goal. Thus his price tag too would be enticing for the Red Devils who might find Howedes as a cheaper option compared to Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels. Howedes future is also not far from secure in Germany. The defender had earlier said that he would jump at the opportunity to ply his trade abroad if he gets a chance to do so, “I said it before that it could be an option to play for club abroad one day. To know about a new culture and environment.”