Manchester United are preparing a summer exodus of their players, with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Javier Hernandez, Nani, Anderson and Anders Lindegaard set to leave at the end of the season.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be prepared to listen to offers for the five players, as he looks to generate funds for the summer through sales, according to Goal.com
According to the report, it is the signing of Robin Van Persie last summer which has created the need to sell some of their players.
The fact that Van Persie cost United £24 million ($36.5 million) from Arsenal, coupled with the fact that he is earning around £250,000 a week ($380,000) has led to the decision, with United still very much seriously in debt.
"Sir Alex and the club made it abundantly clear they would go that extra yard for Robin," a United source told Goal.com. "United knew the numbers involved but saw it as a real signal of intent going forward.
"A couple of other targets had to slide as a result, certainly Lucas Moura, when Paris Saint-Germain made their interest known in the boy.
"Those figures were just crazy. Wilfried Zaha is a sound investment due to the relatively low money involved. Sir Alex knows he will have to be even cuter this summer as a result of Robin now being on our wage bill."
Wilfried Zaha, who signed for United in January before going back on loan to Crystal Palace, joined the club in a deal believed to be worth around £15 million ($23 million); so it is interesting to read that the quotes say it was relatively low money, although the initial outlay is believed to be considerably smaller.
Now, regarding the players mentioned in the report to be leaving.
Valencia has had a poor season for United after winning the player of the year in the previous one; but he is unlikely to be let go by Ferguson.
The only way Hernandez is likely to leave Old Trafford will be if the Mexican International asks for a move. The striker's first team chances have been limited and Atletico Madrid are reportedly trying to tempt the 24-year-old into making a move to the La Liga.
Anderson and Nani look the most likely candidates to find a new club, with one too injury-prone, and the other yet to agree on a new contract. Lindegaard could be allowed to leave as the goalkeeper searches for more regular starts.
Both Nani and Anderson have been mentioned as makeweights in a deal to bring long-term target James Rodriguez from Porto.
United are also targeting a defender and defensive midfielder in the summer, with Ezequiel Garay rumored to already be on his way from Benfica.
So, it does seem like it will be another interesting summer for United. Only time will tell, whether Ferguson will wield the axe or keep his squad intact for a title defending year.
