Muelensteen Hoping to Lure Manchester United Midfielder to Anzhi – Report

Anzhi Makhachkala are hoping that the appointment of former Manchester Unite coach Rene Muelensteen will give them an advantage in the race to sign Portuguese winger Nani.

The 26 year old has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford after a difficult season in which he made just 10 Premier League appearances.

With Wilfried Zaha having now joined the club, Nani has yet more competition having already struggled to force his way ahead of Ashley Young or Antonio Valencia last season under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He may decide to stay in order to try and impress new boss David Moyes but it seems there will be plenty of suitors should he believe that he will stand a greater chance of regular first team action away from United.

The Mirror reports that Turkish giants Galatasaray could renew their interest in the winger having seen a £16m bid rejected last season, while Roma are keen to bring Nani to Italy.

However, it seems mega-rich Russian side Anzhi are hoping that Muelensteen's relationship with Nani may help them win the race to sign the former Sporting Lisbon winger who could be available for as little as £12m.

United paid Sporting some £17m when he signed for the club back in 2007 but after a disappointing season, and with plenty of alternatives already at the club, they may decide to accept a small loss.

While Nani would be giving up the chance to play Champions League football by joining Anzhi, he would still be competing in the Europa League and would be joining a club with lofty ambitions of becoming a major force in Europe.

They have shown their desire to progress in recent seasons my making a host of high profile additions including former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, Brazilianmidfielder Willian and ex Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.