Manchester United have confirmed they will not exercise the option to keep Colombian striker Radamel Falcao after his season-long loan at Old Trafford comes to an end.
Falcao was missing from the squad which drew 0-0 against Hull City on the final day of the Premier League season, with reports suggesting that the striker had already learned his fate before van Gaal’s side travelled.
Having returned from a serious knee injury which forced him to miss the World Cup, Falcao had been hoping to hit the heights in England, but was unable to recapture the goal scoring form which made him one of the most dangerous strikers in world football despite his best efforts.
The Colombian found the net just on just four occasions for the Red Devils, with his future now up in the air as he returns to parent club Monaco.
It is thought that he would like to remain in the Premier League, with London a possible destination.
With the season over, manager Louis van Gaal has made it clear he has spoken to those who no longer have a future at Old Trafford whilst making his wish list as he heads on holiday.
The United boss has confirmed he will be in regular contact with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as contract negotiations take place for the new recruits he feels will help his side challenge for honours next season.
The transfer of exciting Dutch forward Memphis Depay has already been agreed and United are expected to spend big once again as they look to improve on fourth place in the Premier League and help them get through the qualifying round and beyond as they return to the Champions League.
There have been plenty of rumours in recent weeks on those likely to be targets for van Gaal, the manager clear that he needs a world class holding midfielder with United having suffered without the calm assurance of Michael Carrick at times this season.
Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan has been mentioned as a possible addition, although many would be keen to see Sami Khedira join with the German international having confirmed his availability following release from Real Madrid.
Van Gaal may also raid Dortmund for World Cup winning centre back Mats Hummels, with the defender having long been linked to Old Trafford.
The United boss is thought to want to sure up his defence and add experience having lost Evra, Ferdinand and Vidic during last summer.
Whilst Chris Smalling has developed during the season and youngster Paddy McNair showing plenty of promise in his first season, van Gaal is thought to want to add further solidity to a back line which at times has looked brittle.
If Hummels does not arrive at Old Trafford then he may turn to Spain to strengthen his centre back options with Valencia’s Argentine international Nicolas Otamendi high on van Gaal’s wish list if he fails to secure Hummels.
Van Gaal could also turn to another Argentine, Ezequiel Garay, who now plies his trade for Zenit St Petersburg, with rumours still persisting that United could turn their attention back to their long time target.
Whilst central defence is a key area for van Gaal to strengthen he is also expected to sure up the right back berth.
Brazilian Rafael seems out of favour having struggled with injury and lack of form this season, van Gaal preferring to use Antonio Valencia as a makeshift right back for much of the season.
Rafael’s fellow countryman Dani Alves looks set to leave Spanish giants Barcelona after the Champions League final and will be available on a free.
Alves could be a good option for van Gaal in the short term with the Brazilian already in his thirties, but Southampton full back Nathaniel Clyne seems to be a longer term option on the United manager’s shopping list.
Talk of a proposed move for Clyne has cooled recently with the England international seemingly set for talks to extend his deal at Southampton, but van Gaal is thought to admire the defender and may still push for a deal to happen.
United may also have to dip into the market for a new goalkeeper with David de Gea yet to sign a new contract at the club.
Real Madrid have been courting de Gea, who has once again enjoyed a magnificent season between the sticks at United.
The papers in Spain have even published stories claiming that personal terms have been agreed between de Gea and Real, although United have also offered the shot stopper a bumper new deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
De Gea has a tough decision to make, with a return home to the city of his birth a very tempting opportunity, although he knows he is adored at Old Trafford and has formed a close bond with United’s Spanish contingent including Juan Mata and Ander Herrera.
Madrid are used to getting their man, having secured the likes of Beckham, van Nistelrooy, Heinze and Ronaldo from United in the past, and will not stop until they get de Gea’s signature.
They are rumoured to have offered Keylor Navas in return for de Gea, but United may well turn to Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, who has found himself warming the bench at Stamford Bridge and has vast experience in the Premier League.
Cech still has plenty of football ahead of him, and whilst Chelsea don’t want to lose him, Jose Mourinho has confirmed they will listen to offers for the Czech international.
Stoke’s Asmir Begovic and Ajax’s Jesper Cillessen could be other alternatives for van Gaal, although he does have Victor Valdes on the books at Old Trafford already.
One goalkeeper who could be on his way out of United though is Anders Lindegaard, who has fallen behind de Gea and Valdes in the United pecking order.
De Gea may not be the only player of interest between United and Madrid, with United rumoured to be keen to bring back Welshman Gareth Bale to the Premier League.
Bale has struggled in his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu and has faced increasing pressure from the Madrid fans who feel he has not lived up to his world record fee.
Madrid President Perez has confirmed he wants Bale to stay, but with coach Carlo Ancelotti almost certain to be relieved of duties there may be a clear out at Madrid and Bale could be one of those sacrificed if they can secure a return on their outlay from two seasons ago.
Bale would give United something that has been lacking at times this season, raw pace.
The Welshman would fit perfectly into van Gaal’s side and if de Gea does go United may well make sure they get Bale to come the other way.
There has also been rumours of a return to English football for Cristiano Ronaldo, but with the Portuguese superstar just ten goals away from equaling Raul’s Madrid scoring record it is very unlikely he would consider a move away from the Spanish capital just yet.
United could also be in for a striker, with van Gaal having been quoted earlier in the season lamenting not having a 20-goal a season striker.
With Falcao already on his way and van Persie also rumoured to be shown the exit at Old Trafford there has been talk that United may turn to Paris Saint Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani.
Cavani has just helped to secure a third Ligue 1 title for the Paris side, but may be open to a new challenge in England.
The Uruguayan won’t come cheap and the French champions may well test United’s resolve over Angel Di Maria, who they have coveted for some time and has endured a tough first season in Manchester.
With the transfer window due to officially open on July 1, van Gaal will be keen to get as much business done early to make sure he can get his side ready for the start of next season, having learned his lessons from a slow start this time around.
United can’t afford to miss out on the Champions League group stage and with a potentially tricky qualifying round to get through the United boss will want as much time to shape his side so they can hit the ground running.
It looks likely there will be a lot of movement in and out of Old Trafford in the next few weeks and even more rumour as the major sides look to gain the upper hand in the transfer stakes.
andrewembling 