Manchester United Asked to Shell Out £48m for Arturo Vidal

Juventus have asked Manchester United to shell out £48m to secure the services of Arturo Vidal in January, according to the Daily Express.

Louis van Gaal is a huge fan of the midfielder and will believe that the opportunity is ripe to get the Chilean signed into the United ranks, especially with the 27-year-old being involved in a series of confrontations with manager Massimo Allegri.

The Red Devils have made a clutch of high-profile purchases this season but are still on the look-out for a midfielder to cover for Michael Carrick, who has entered his 30s and missed the whole of the new season through injury.

Vidal's arrival, coupled with the drive provided by Ander Herrera through the middle, will give United's midfield some much needed flair, which is currently restricted to their attack.

The 20-time Champions have one of the best attacks in world football, boasting players such as Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Angel di Maria, a quintet enough to put fear in the most organised of defences.

However, Allegri is reportedly willing to give Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti the first chance. His decision will eventually open or close the door for United in the chase for Vidal.

Juventus are looking at a swap deal with Madrid for Sami Khedira, a prospect which is well on the horizon and will be a win-win situation for both parties if the deal does go through.

Meanwhile, United are struggling with a series of injuries to key players, especially in the defence, with the Red Devils missing up to nine players for their game against West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia and six others have been ruled out of the game, as Van Gaal's men look to secure their position in the top four and return to Champions League football.