2014 World Cup: Incoming Manchester United boss van Gaal earmarks Ghana star Andre Ayew as replacement for Nani

Published on: 17 May 2014
2014 World Cup: Incoming Manchester United boss van Gaal earmarks Ghana star Andre Ayew as replacement for Nani
Andre Ayew is linked to Manchester United

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Napoli might have taken the lead in securing Ghana winger Andre Ayew from Olympique Marseille but an interest from Manchester United has scampered their chances.

The Italian Serie A side reportedly tabled a $16 million offer for the Black Stars winger but latest reports from England have revealed incoming Manchester United manager Luis van Gaal has already made the 2011 BBC African Football of the Year Award winner his major transfer target.

The Dutch gaffer will offload up a dozen of players including Portuguese winger Nani and wants to replace him with Andre Ayew who has scored five times and assisted thrice from the wings in the Ligue 1 this term for Marseille.

Andre Ayew training at Marseille
Andre Ayew training at Marseille
Andre has always admitted his interest in playing in the English top-flight and has been consistently been linked with a move to Merseysiders Liverpool.

The Reds could have easily outmuscled Napoli from the race to land the winger but they have gone in pursuit of Belgian star Eden Hazard who is linked with a move away from Chelsea after a bust-up with Jose Mourinho.

van Gaal has agreed to join United after the end of this summer's World Cup in Brazil as he lead the Holland squad into the 2014 World Cup.

van Gaal earmarks Andre Ayew
van Gaal earmarks Andre Ayew
However, the Holland coach would get his first feel and better assessment of Ayew when he plays for Ghana in an international friendly against his Holland side later this month.

Manchester United's bid could still face competition from home rivals Liverpool who would offer Uefa Champions League football to the 24-year-old.

While United, Liverpool and Napoli fight over the winger, Marseille are hoping to clinch on to their playmaker who has spent seven seasons at the Stade Velodrome, as they harbour plans to name him captain next season.

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