Manchester United Consider This £37m German Star As Gareth Bale Alternative

Manchester United have turned their attention towards Arsenal target Julian Draxler as Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is very unlikely to move away from from Madrid. United were being linked with an audacious £90m move for the Welsh star who moved to the Spanish capital last season, £4m more than the record fee that Real paid Spurs for his services. However, Daily Star are now reporting that “In addition to Bale’s reluctance at the switch, the Champions League winners are also not willing to sell.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti dropped a hint that Bale is not for sale,  “He is one of the best players in the world, and one of the most important players in this squad.”

Draxler

As a result, Louis Van Gaal has now identified Draxler as a potential signing in January despite the German being injured. Draxler suffered from a pulled hamstring in Schalke’s 1-0 win over Augsburg on Friday. The 21 year old lasted just 4 minutes after pulling up in the 1st minute of the game and will undergo a surgery. Schalke revealed on their website that he has a partial tear on his semimembranosus muscle in his right hamstring. The injury will put him out of action until new year, but it hasn’t detracted Manchester United from the talented attacker.

United will have competition from Draxler’s long term admirers Arsenal. The Gunners were linked with a move for the World Cup winner last year but decided to go out and buy Mesut Ozil instead. They rekindled their interest in him as the the Metro were reporting last month that they could meet his £37m release clause in January.

Draxler’s injury could bring down his market value in January as he won’t be fit which could encourage a bid from either United or Arsenal. His form before getting injured was brilliant, which could attract interest from elsewhere as well. Another factor that could persuade Draxler to join is the promise of Champions League football next season. At the moment, Arsenal look more likely to provide that, which could go against United.