Transfer talk: United with one deal almost done, another gaining traction and a mad Sterling enquiry

Louis van Gaal doesn't do anything unless it's absolutely mental - substitutes, speeches and transfers all need to have some element of madness if he's to even consider them.

Manchester United have launched an extraordinary bid to bring contract rebel and "not-about-the-money" winger Raheem Sterling to Old Trafford. It's not known yet whether LvG was still partying from United's Player of the Year awards when he made the enquiry about Sterling's availability but it does seem bizarre. It would be the ideal destination for Sterling if he really wanted to stick the boot into his current employers but the likelihood of the move isn't the most plausible as it's understood that United's questions were swiftly rebuffed by the Reds. (The Telegraph) One move that seems to be edging closer is United's pursuit of Real Madrid's Gareth Bale. While many English publications are claiming this morning that the Champions League holders are adamant on keeping hold of the Welshman, the front page of Spanish newspaper AS suggests that Bale's days at the Bernabeu are numbered with the headline translating to "Bale looks for a way out." The report claims that Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett met Real president Florentino Perez yesterday and outlined his client's desire to leave with the Red Devils willing to offer €120 million for his signature. AS also report that United assistant manager and Bale's fellow countryman Ryan Giggs is speaking to the player in an attempt to sway him back to the Premier League. One Old Trafford arrival that seems nailed on is that of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi who has apparently signed a preliminary agreement with Manchester United. Argentine outlet Ole have reported that the Red Devils have paid out big money, believed to be over €40 million, for the 27-year-0ld who can play either at right back or centre back. While last minute contract details still need to be hammered out after Valencia's final La Liga game, it's very much expected that the Argentina international will be a part of van Gaal's back four come August. Away from Manchester United (finally), it looks like Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will fight it out for the signature of Barcelona winger Pedro whose time at the Camp Nou looks to have come to an end. The Spaniard has failed in his attempts to nail down a starting role under Luis Enrique, which is hardly surprising when you consider the quality trio that Barca have up front, and he's willing to leave Spain to start getting regular first team football. The Telegraph report that the Catalan club are willing to part company with the player for a cut-price fee of €10 million which would be considered a bargain. He would be a ready-made replacement for Sterling and Brendan Rodgers has long been a fan of the 27-year-old.   Liverpool will also battle Chelsea for Aston Villa powerhouse Christian Benteke this summer. Liverpool have the advantage of being able to offer the Belgian more playing time but the Blues undeniably have the spending power to beat out the Merseysiders. Villa value their top scorer at €40 million but would prefer to hang on to their talisman rather than cash in on his services but Chelsea will test their mettle as they look to replace Didier Drogba as their "big man" who they can lump on for long balls when their usual gameplan isn't working. (The Mirror)