Manchester United are ready to make a huge bid for Seamus Coleman of Everton, with Adnan Januzaj set to be used as bait to land the signature of the right-back in the January transfer window.
Coleman has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea in recent times following the right-back's brilliant performances for Everton over the last couple of seasons.
Louis Van Gaal is keen to strengthen his defence in the January transfer window and sees Coleman as the perfect candidate to fill his right-back/right wingback slot.
Rafael has struggled with injury this season, while Van Gaal remains unconvinced the Brazilian is his long-term option in the position. Indeed, Van Gaal has been forced to play Antonio Valencia as a right wingback/right-back on several occasions this season, pointing to the fact that Manchester United could use strengthening in that role.
Coleman is seen as the ideal candidate, with the Irishman electric and potent when he makes runs forward, while being steady enough at the back as well.
Manchester United are ready to offer £25 million to Everton for Coleman, according to the Daily Star, and Januzaj could also play a major role in the possible transfer.
Januzaj had been tipped to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window on loan, with Everton reportedly one of the teams showing an interest.
Van Gaal has denied he is open to Januzaj leaving to get some regular first-team fotball, but Manchester United could use the Belgian winger to land Coleman ahead of Chelsea, who are also quite interested in the signature of the right-back.
Much, of course, will depend on Everton, who do not necessarily need to sell. Roberto Martinez is trying to build a team capable of challenging consistently for the European places and he clearly sees Coleman as a vital cog in the wheel. Martinez will want Coleman to stay until the end of the season, at the very least, with Everton struggling to recreate their form from last season.
Coleman also only recently signed a new long-term deal, meaning Everton clearly have the upper hand when it comes to transfer negotiations with the Toffees able to demand a large fee if they are resigned to the fact that they will have to sell to the highest bidder sooner or later.
