Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has reportedly been in talks with Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos as the Dutch tactician looks to lure the German away to Old Trafford this summer.
According to the Metro, the Holland head coach, who will take over the reins at Old Trafford once the World Cup is over, has already been in touch with Kroos. However, van Gaal will not get the 24-year-old that easily as European champions Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in his services.
Kroos, who has only a year remaining on his current contract with Bayern, has reportedly refused to sign a new deal with the German giants after the club refused to meet his wage demands.
If the contract talks break down again, Bayern is likely to sell Kroos in this window, rather than see him leave as a free agent next summer.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly ready to sell flop midfielder Marouane Fellaini this summer, according to ESPN.
The 26-year-old, who was a success at Everton, has been less than impressive since his £27.5m arrival at Old Trafford last summer. Though former United boss David Moyes, who had worked with Fellaini at Goodison Park, tried using the player in different positions, the Belgian failed to find form.
Fellaini's move to Old Trafford eventually proved to be a big disappointment, especially considering the high expectations on him. The big Belgian only made 16 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, and did not manage to find the back of the net even once.
Furthermore, the midfielder was involved in several disciplinary issues on the field, including the time he appeared to have spat on Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta, after elbowing the Argentine. However, he was cleared of the charges due to lack of evidence.
United are understood to be keen to offload the player for a cut-price deal of £15m.