Manchester United Set to Activate £48m Release Clause for Koke

Manchester United are ready to meet Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke's release clause worth £48m, according to the Metro.

New manager Louis van Gaal is a huge fan of the 22-year-old and is ready to break the bank for his signature. The midfielder has been in brilliant form this season for Atletico and has been the architect behind their title winning run and their progression into the finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The Red Devils are looking for a creative midfielder to form the foundation of their attack and Koke has emerged as the prime target to bring them back in the reckoning for the title.

The midfielder has scored six goals and assisted 13 in the league this season, a tally which can only increase given the attacking talent on hand at Old Trafford.

The likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have a brilliant strike on them and will be peripheral to their chances of reclaiming their position in the top four, having finished the season in seventh spot this year.

The Red Devils are desperate to strengthen in the summer and have earmarked a number of positions which need refurbishments, especially with a lot of senior players set to leave in the upcoming window. The likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are all set to depart, leaving United with a dearth of players and experience in the backline.

Meanwhile, United goalkeeper David de Gea is eyeing a place in the starting line-up for Spain but realises that it will be difficult given the amount of competition in the squad.

"We don't know who's going to play against Bolivia, but we have to be ready in case we get the nod. I'm raring to make my debut. There's a lot of competition in goal, but I'm enjoying myself and pushing myself to the max in training," De Gea told Manutd.com.

"There are players in this squad who have won everything at club and international level, but you never lose that fire in the belly," he added.