Manchester United transfer news: Leverkusen's Hakan Calhanoglu says it will be hard to turn down Red Devils

Bayer Leverkusen's star midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has said it would be hard for him to ignore offers from Manchester United and Barcelona. The 21-year-old joined the club from Hamburger SV in the summer of 2014 and is a specialist in set pieces.

The Turkish international has scored two goals and two assists from four Champions League appearances. He is a rising star in the Bundesliga and the Guardian reported that Calhanoglu has been a target for Louis van Gaal's side.

"Barcelona and Manchester United are huge clubs. It would be difficult to turn them down. I have not said anything and there is nothing to talk about, but, of course, if Barcelona made an offer I would have to consider it," Calhanoglu told Turkish broadcasters Lig TV, as quoted by the Evening Standard.

Leverkusen valued their star midfielder at around £32m ($48.2m), according to another report in the Evening Standard. Van Gaal plans to make an approach for the free-kick specialist in January. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager wants to add more creativity to his squad in the mid-season transfer window. The Dutchman has identified Calhanoglu as the player and United could make an approach for his signature at the start of the next year.

Smalling bags Player of the Month award

Chris Smalling has been in fine form for United in all competitions since the start of this season. The England international made a crucial save to block the ball from entering into back of the net against CSSKA Moscow.

United have kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions and have conceded only eight goals in the league this season. For his impressive performance in October, Smalling has been voted as United's Player of the Month by fans.