Manchester United transfer news and rumours: 'Lionel Messi and Neymar targeted in £350million raid on Barcelona'

Lionel Messi appears to have just heard the latest transfer rumours linking him with a move to Old Trafford Photo: REX FEATURES

This, we understand, is utterly outrageous and will probably never, ever, happen, but we're only reporting the facts. We say facts, we mean words. Words that were originated by the Sun newspaper.

That's right folks, Manchester United are preparing a "staggering £350 miilion raid for the superstar pair" of Lionel Messi and Neymar. And if that wasn't enough, Louis van Gaal is also considering signing Luis Suárez, the former Liverpoool striker "if the price is right."

According to the report, Barcelona are on "the brink of financial meltdown" and simply MUST sell the family silverware in order to balance the books.

Joan Laporta, the former Barca president, admitted in October that the club needed to sell, but reckons the Catalans would never sell Messi. Neymar, though, could be sold he says: “For Neymar, it’s different. The economic situation of the club is not good. The current president must sell players or assets to balance the books.”

United, meanwhile, are heading up a quartet of teams that are understood to be preparing to make a big-money move for West Ham United teenagerReece Oxford.

Oxford, 16, has made three appearances for Slaven Bilic's side this season but has failed to secure regular first-team football despite some impressive performances.

Reece Oxford, 16, is being monitored by, amongst others, United

After previously showing interest in the player, United are now set to be joined by Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City who are all monitoring the situation with the player, according to a report in the Times.

West Ham are expected to offer Oxford a new two-and-a-half year deal later this month once he turns 17, but with four of the biggest clubs circling the teenager may decide to wait and see what happens in January. Watch this space.


And finally, United are understood to be monitoring Nicolas Gaitan, the Benfica midfielder. The club were linked with the Argentine during the summer, and Van Gaal is now ready to renew his interest in the 27 year-old, according to Record, the Portuguese website.