Arsenal transfer target wanted by Manchester United, but Bundesliga giants reluctant to sell before the end of the season.
Manchester United are interested in signing Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, according to Norwegian journalist and retired footballer Jan Aage Fjortoft.
Fjortoft, who has recently travelled to Leverkusen to cover Bender’s team’s match against Bayern Munich for German television, claimed to have heard from a source that the Red Devils were “very keen” to sign Bender.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have already made moves for the Germany international and had bids turned down, but Fjortoft revealed a clause for less than €15 million (approximately £12.7m) would allow clubs to open discussions with the player.
Man Utd boss David Moyes said in his pre-match press conference for the Sunderland match that he would be unlikely to reinforce in January, and the fact that Bender’s clause activates from the end of the current season would tally up with that.
Arrived in Leverkusen and a good source tell me that Man UTD are very keen to sign Lars Bender. Note: BuyOutClause: Under € 15 mill #MUFC
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) October 5, 2013
Arsenal and Bayern Munich tried to buy Lars Bender, but Bayer have said no. But I understand his BuyOutClause is valid AFTER this season
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) October 5, 2013
Fjortoft did not reveal whether Arsenal would go back in to attempt the signing of Lars Bender, with the form of Mathieu Flamini resulting in the clamour for midfield steel quietening.
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