Manchester United are looking for a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender after recent reports suggesting that Strootman’s knee operation did not go as they wished for.
The midfielder is also under the radar of Arsenal who are scouting him for the last two years with their interest in signing quality defensive midfielders. Arsenal were earlier considered favorites as the other interested club Barcelona are banned from transfer window in 2015. With United in the race for mid-fielder the Gunners are expected to face intense competition this summer.
The 25-year old midfielder is the twin brother of Borussia Dortmund’s Sven Bender who also plays in defensive midfield. Defensive midfield is one area where the Gunners and Red Devils are going all-out for the services of world class players across Europe.
Manchester United have also sent their chief scout Jim Lawlor to watch Bender in their clash against Atletico Madrid last month and Lawlor is expected to go to Madrid this week for the return leg as well.
Louis van Gaal is now ready to consider available options after his primary transfer target Kevin Strootman was sidelined since last March due to rupturing of ligaments in his left knee and he is not expected to feature in action anytime soon.
With Leverkusen already having got Christopher Kramer on loan and are expecting him to sign this summer, Bayer Leverkusen might be willing to sell Bender if they receive a suitable bid with the midfielder’s contract expiring next summer.