Manchester United transfer news and rumours: Samir Nasri reveals secret talks; Aymeric Laporte deal nearly done

A look at the latest transfer talk surrounding Old Trafford

Samir Nasri hopes City have a fully-fit squad when the last-16 games are played in February and March (Getty)

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY...

Samir Nasri has revealed that he nearly signed for Manchester United. The Frenchman has said he held secret talks with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011. "We met in Paris with Sir Alex in a private apartment so as not to fuel rumours by meeting in a hotel," Nasri said. "I was not convinced by his speech. There was one thing that was a problem. He said he had never hired an Arsenal player and he'd have to go to war. I told him that it does not interest me to go to war with Arsene Wenger." Nasri eventually joined Manchester City instead.

MANCHESTER UNITED BOUND...

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Morgan Schneiderlin. Louis van Gaal was able to get another close-up look at the Southampton midfielder as he watched his side get beaten by the Saints at Old Trafford. The performance of Schneiderlin left him convinced he should move for the 25-year-old, according to the Daily Express. Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool have all already been linked with the Frenchman, meaning there could be a fierce battle for his services. Any move appears unlikely this month and will have to wait until the summer.

Schneiderlin in action at Old Trafford (GETTY IMAGES)

United are believed to be close to completing the signing of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, with the Daily Star reporting that a £25m move is “80 per cent” complete. The 20-year-old has been tipped as a star in the making and is destined to play for the France national team, and he would be the second player to head to Old Trafford from La Liga side following the acquisition of Ander Herrera in the summer. However, both Chelsea and Arsenal are also reported to be in the running for his signature.

Manchester United's top priority remains a defender and whilst Mats Hummels and Diego Godin have been strongly linked, rumours of Raphael Varane joining the club have re-surfaced. Reports today suggest a figure of £15m could be enough to tempt Real Madrid into letting the France international leave. The 21-year-old has been hugely impressive since arriving on the scene at the Bernabeu, however whether United need another developing defender is up for debate.

OUT OF REACH...

Lionel Messi has said he is not interested in leaving Barcelona. Reports last week suggested the Argentina international might be available and among those linked were Manchester United. Financial studies suggested even that the Red Devils were among the only clubs in the world with the financial muscle to sign him. However, it seems all the money in the world won't be enough to tempt the four-time Ballon d'Or winner away.

Lionel Messi has had a meeting with team-mates to clear the air (Getty Images)

OUT OF FAVOUR...

Radamel Falcao's future at Old Trafford is under the microscope. Manchester United have an option to sign the striker for £43.2m, however manager Van Gaal could not even find room for him on the bench for the defeat to Southampton at the weekend. The Manchester United boss revealed the decision was tactical, opening up questions about whether the Dutchman sees Falcao in his future plans.