Transfer talk: Louis van Gaal is making plans for Nigel as Liverpool line up Gerrard replacement

Well ain't that a turn-up for the books?

Ex-Man City midfielder Nigel de Jong could be about to start kicking the legs from underneath attackers on the red side of Manchester if Louis van Gaal gets his way. The United boss is a huge fan of the defensive capabilities of his fellow Dutchman and reports in Italy claim that talks of a summer move for the 30-year-old midfielder, who is currently lining out for AC Milan, have already taken place. De Jong would be a welcome addition to the Red Devils and would fill the glaring gap in the holding midfield position that has irritated fans for so long. (Metro) Another midfielder who could be swapping Italian life for that of England's North West is Inter Milan's Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian is one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe and Liverpool are frontrunners for his signature. Kovacic is seen as a possible replacement for the playmaking abilities of the LA Galaxy-bound Steven Gerrard but the Reds will have to fight off interest from Man City for the 20-year-old. (talkSPORT) Two players who look likely to leave the Etihad this summer are Stevan Jovetic and James Milner. The Daily Mail report that Inter have already opened talks with Montenegrin forward Jovetic as manager Roberto Mancini looks to reunite with the player he signed for City in 2013. As for James Milner, his likely destination looks to be either Inter and Liverpool as, again, Mancini refuses to let the past go as he attempts to recreate his Manchester City squad in Serie A. But Liverpool remain favourites to secure the signature of the England international according to the Daily Star. The transfer rumour mill can't seem to turn without a mention of Inter Milan at every stage and it's their forward Mauro Icardi who is being linked with a move to Chelsea. Jose Mourinho is big fan of the Argentine who has fifteen goals to his name in the league this season. It's understood that a fee of around €40 million would be enough to prise the 22-year-old away from the San Siro. (Telegraph) A new left-back could be on the horizon for Arsenal after Jose Luis Gaya rejected a new contract with Valencia. The Gunners have been scouting the Spaniard for some time and attempted to lure him to the Emirates in January but Valencia held out, hopeful of Gaya signing a new deal. But that deal never arrived and now the attacking full-back looks likely to make the switch to Arsenal for a fee of around €19 million. (Metro)