Sridhar Bhamidi
The success of Jose Mourinho in the summer transfer window has been due to the fact that he did business very early as compared to other clubs. The deadline day craziness was not the case at Old Trafford this summer.
And the Portuguese tactician plans to start preparing early for the winter transfer window as well, with a clear idea as to whom he should sign. The legendary number seven shirt is vacant at the club and Jose is looking to fill it in January.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the Red Devils would make a decision between Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann for that vacant position, with both players potentially available for transfer.
Griezmann was the number one target for Jose in the summer and the player too looked set for a move to Old Trafford. However, Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was upheld and the French striker decided to stay put in the Spanish capital, eventually signing an extension.
However, it is now being reported in the Spanish press that the player is unhappy at the lack of transfer ambition at the club and could reignite the move in January. Atletico too are looking for a replacement, with Chelsea’s Diego Costa tipped to make a move back to his old club.
Bale hasn’t been able to nail down a starting spot in the Madrid side since his mega-buck transfer but was willing to stay and fight for his place. Zinedine Zidane too wasn’t willing to part ways with Bale though Isco and Marco Asensio have usurped him in the starting list.
The Wales striker is looking to stay for one more season and fight for his place. But if first-team opportunities are limited, he could be persuaded for a move.
The Old Trafford chiefs are confident of pulling a deal for Griezmann and hopeful that Bale’s first-team chances this season would be limited too. Jose would then have to pick one of the two superstars.
It would be a tricky decision for Mourinho given the fact that the striking options at United are in plenty. Bale’s position could be easier to grab under the current circumstances but I am sure that Jose wouldn’t let go of either of these players that easily.
Who do you think should we sign?
