Manchester United forward Gabriel Obertan to complete Newcastle United move next week

Reports claim the French winger is on the brink of joining Alan Pardew's side after becoming disillusioned at a lack of first team football at Old Trafford

The Frenchman is believed to have asked for a move away from Old Trafford in January and will be granted his wish next week when he signs a deal to move to St James' Park. Should the move go ahead, Obertan, 22, would become the fourth French player signed by Alan Pardew this summer with midfielders Sylvain Marveaux, Yohan Cabaye and Mehdi Abeid having already completed transfers.Pardew has been looking to add a wide player after the departure of Wayne Routledge to Swansea, and has also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta.

Capped by his country at Under-21 level, Obertan signed for Premier League champions United in July 2009 from French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. However he has struggled to cement a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's team, with his only goal for the club coming in last season's Champions League, when he netted in the club's 3-0 over Bursaspor.

Sir Alex Ferguson coy over potential arrival of Wesley Sneijder: We always try to improve but there's nothing concrete yet

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has remained coy on speculation linking Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder with the club.

The Serie A club's CEO Ernesto Paolillo revealed earlier on Wednesday that the club would consider any major bids for the Dutch midfielder. With the signings of David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young so far this summer, the Premier League champions have made moves to replace Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville, and Sneijder has been touted as a possible replacement for Paul Scholes, but Ferguson has remained tight-lipped on the situation.

"Well, we always try to improve. But at this moment there is nothing concrete," he said.

Ferguson also took the opportunity to praise Van der Sar, suggesting that he should have made a move for the Dutchman earlier in his career.

"He had a great career because of his character," he added. "His level of performance for such a long time is amazing. He is a great human. I was just saying to [Louis] Van Gaal that Van der Sar always had good words during the half-time. When [Peter] Schmeichel left I should have taken him right away. But that was my fault. I'm happy we did after all."

The United boss also added that he would like to see the Dutchman involved with the club in some capacity in the future.

"I think there is a future for him at Man United," the Scot continued. "He will be an ambassador for the club anyway. Now he will take a year off. After that he will make his decision."

Eric Cantona encourages Manchester United to sign Inter's Wesley Sneijder

The former Red Devil has sung the praises of the Netherlands international, insisting that the 27-year-old attacking midfielder is exactly what the Old Trafford club need

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has expressed his hope that the club will sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter. the Dutchman has told Manchester City he would like to join the Red Devils, but the player's wage demands have continued to hold up a deal. Now the Red Devils' former player has showered praise on the Netherlands international by likening the ex-Real Madrid man to himself.

"Sneijder is one of the best. He will be great for the team," Cantona told The Mirror. "He is what Manchester United needs. There's no-one like him right now. "He's strong. Sometimes he reminds me of myself."

Cantona spent five years at Old Trafford between 1992 and 1997, winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

United captures De Gea !

Manchester United is believed to have secured their first signing of the summer.

Spain Under-21 goalkeeper David De Gea has confirmed he will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, and now his club have accepted, in principle, a United offer of around £16million.Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed this week he wants three high-profile new faces to cover the departure of some of his most experienced players, with Gary Neville and Edwin Van der Sar retiring, and Paul Scholes possibly following suit.

A keeper is top of his list, and positive contact has already been made with representatives of De Gea, who is only 20 but is already regarded as one of the best at his position in Europe.Contrary to suggestions in Spain, no deal has yet been signed. But the new Premier League champions are supremely confident they have their man after being given permission to talk to the player.

Chief executive David Gill said: "We know the keeper we want and are in a good position, and I'm sure we can get the deal done."But the De Gea deal is clearly just the start of a big-money summer for United, who are prepared to spend big to ensure they replace important players with quality performers proven at the highest level.While De Gea is still a youngster, he has already won his spurs at the top level, helping Atletico win the Europa League last season and the UEFA Super Cup back in August and playing in the Champions League.

Here's a video about the potential the United hierarchy saw in our new number 1 : 

Sir Alex chasing 3 stars !

 

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is chasing three signings this summer. 

 The Manchester United boss needs to strengthen his squad with keeper Edwin van der Sar, 40, about to retire.  Gary Neville, 36, has already hung up his boots while Paul Scholes, 36, is mulling over his future.  Fergie said:

"We have some ideas in mind. Hopefully, we can get them put in place. 

 "We have Giggs and Scholes coming towards the end of their careers, Neville has retired and Van der Sar is retiring, so there are holes we want to plug in terms of the security of the team for the next few years. "I am looking at maybe three signings which would boost our quality."

  

My picks :

1. Wesley Sneijder [Inter Milan / Netherlands] £15 millions

2. David De Gea [Atletico Madrid / Spain] £20 millions

3. Alexis Sánchez [Udinese / Chile] £25 millions

Realistic transfers in my opinion with the £100 millions transfer kitty that fergie has!!