Manchester United make a check on Vidal; Inter linked to Galatasaray defender

Manchester United make a check on Vidal

Manchester United are showing interest in Juventus midfield maestro Arturo Vidal, Daily Mirror understands.

The Red Devils are eager to further reinforce the midfield department in January and they have singled out the Chilean as their number one target.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been following the player for a while now and his showing in the Champions League clash against Chelsea convinced the Scottish manager he should step up his interest in the Chilean.

The problem is that Vidal is considered a key member of the side in Turin and is valued at £40 million.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also thought to be keen, so it is clear Manchester United face an uphill task in their pursuit of the 25-year-old midfielder.

The Chile international joined Juventus in a €10.5 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen and has since scored 8 goals in 37 Serie A appearances for the club.

Inter linked to Galatasaray defender

Inter are weighing up January bid for Galatasaray defender Semih Kaya, Turkish newspaper Miliyet has revealed.

The talented defender largely impressed in the Champions League clash against Manchester United, with the Turkish club later confirming Sir Alex Ferguson had enquired about the player.

Turkish daily Miliyet now claims that Serie A giants Inter have also joined the race for the 21-year-old centre-back.

The Neroazzurri have already watched the player on several occasions and they are believed to be preparing an official bid for his services.

Semih Kaya came through the youth ranks at Galatasaray and went on to make 30 Super Lig appearances for the club last season.

He has played for numerous Turkey youth sides and is currently regarded a first team regular for both club and country.

Papadopoulos signs new Schalke deal

Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos has signed a new contract with Schalke, the Bundesliga side announced on their official website.

The Greece international has signed a new and improved contract until June 2016, even though his previous deal was set to expire just a year earlier.

The highly rated defender was rewarded for his impressive showings for the Miners, with the club chiefs deciding to act after top European clubs started expressing their interest in the player.

“I feel very well in Schalke and look forward to playing for the club for many years to come,” the 20-year-old said to club’s official website.

Papadopoulos joined the Veltins Arena outfit from Olympiakos for a fee of €2 million some two years ago and quickly developed into a key player for the Miners.

Since arriving to the club, the centre-back has made 52 Bundesliga appearances, and has scored 3 goals in the process.

Papadopoulos is rated as one of world’s most talented stoppers and his decision to pledge his future to Schalke is a huge boost for the club.

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