Meet the man than could have Man United’s rivals at Pjanic stations
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Manchester United have renewed their interest in an old target in a bid to strengthen their midfield ahead of a possible assault on the Champions League next term.
The Red Devils have been linked with a host of top stars from Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin Strootman.
However, it is the latter’s Roma team-mate Miralem Pjanic who is the subject of the latest speculation, with United boss Louis van Gaal now expected to test the water with a bid for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international in the coming weeks.
The deep-lying playmaker, 25, would provide United with cover and competition for Michael Carrick who at 33-years-old is unlikely to be able to cope with the demands of playing week-in, week-out during a campaign that includes a return to continental football for the Old Trafford club.
There are reports to suggest that Pjanic tops Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers’ list of Steven Gerrard replacements, but with United now looking more likely to be able to offer Champions league football than their Anfield rivals, it is Van Gaal who could steal a march on his Reds counterpart.
Pjanic, who has netted four goals and laid on a further six for his Roma team-mates this season, is contracted to the Stadio Olimpico until 2018 but with the Giallorossi some 13 points behind league leaders Juventus he could be tempted to seek out chances for silverware elsewhere.
United travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend looking to end a 12-game away day hoodoo against the Blues.
Chelsea are the even money favourites to land all three points a move another step closer to claiming the Premier League title, but after a six-game win streak and a derby day thrashing of Manchester City, the 3/1 on a Red Devils win could also tempt.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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