Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing another fullback. The Red Devils have now set their sights on 24-year-old defender Marcos Rojo.
The Express reports that Louis van Gaal still wants to sign a left-sided player and that Rojo fits the billing. According to the paper, Manchester United are prepared to pay up to £16 million for the player.
MANCHESTER UNITED have stepped up their interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo by making a £16m bid.
And The Metro reports that the player has now handed in a transfer request:
Sporting Lisbon’s Marcos Rojo is believed to have handed in a transfer request just hours after Manchester United lodged a £15.9m bid for the defender.
However, while Sporting CP see that valuation of the player as suitable, they would prefer the entire fee be paid up front rather than in instalments. This has stalled the deal but the Manchester club are hoping that further negotiations will lead to a compromise.
Sporting CP have already rejected a bid of £13 for Rojo from Southampton. The Saints are looking for a replacement for Luke Shaw who has also joined Manchester United.
The Argentine defender, who has 28 caps for his national side, would be a useful addition to the Manchester United squad. Bringing experience and talent to a squad that has struggled at the back in recent times, Rojo would more than likely be a reliable presence in defence.
Rojo rose to prominence during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He put in a number of fine performances for Argentina as they reached the semi-finals of the competitions. His excellent form on biggest stage in football grabbed the attention of fans and pundits alike, leading to speculation he could leave his current club for a bigger club during the summer.
The 24-year-old has had an equally impressive time at club level. He left his youth side of Estudiantes LP in 2011 and joined Spartak Moscow where he remained on the fringes of the squad. However, a move to Sporting CP in 2012 led to more regular team football and he has since made 49 league appearances for the Portuguese club in two years. Nathan Gibson
CLICK FOR ROJO: Manchester United fans: keen?
