Man Utd preparing fresh bid for £35m Arturo Vidal in January as spending spree continues

Posted Wednesday, September 24, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED are putting together a fresh bid to bring Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal to Old Trafford in January.

BACK IN: United haven't given up on signing Vidal and will make a move if his knee holds up

The Red Devils tried all summer to land the Chilean midfielder but were unable to do a deal with the Serie A giants.

Boss Louis van Gaal had concerns over Vidal's troublesome knee which needed surgery before the World Cup.

It is being reported in Italy that the Dutchman will watch Vidal's progress over the next few months closely before passing judgement on the midfielder's fitness.

If Vidal makes it to January unscathed it is believed a fresh bid will be submitted.

Van Gaal is known to be keen on Kevin Strootman but Roma's president James Pallotta yesterday insisted he is not for sale at any price meaning Vidal is back on top of the Dutchman's wish list.

Juventus are thought to be unwilling to sell Vidal for anything less than £35m and United's poor start may force their hand as the spending spree in the red half of Manchester looks set to continue.

United strengthened their attacking options over the summer but still look short in central midfield and defence despite spending over £150m.

Chief executive Ed Woodward revealed the club's current splurge is based on finishing third in the Premier League and achieving automatic qualification into the Champions League for next season.

With that goal currently looking a long way off United could be tempted to splash the cash again as Van Gaal continues to rebuild his squad.