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Man Utd transfer news: Juventus react to first Douglas Costa bid as Ed Woodward hunts deal
MANCHESTER UNITED chief Ed Woodward has seen a bid for Juventus forward Douglas Costa fail, according to reports.
Man United: Douglas Costa 'not consistent enough' says Nicol
Manchester United chief Woodward wants to lure Costa away from Juventus as he seeks January reinforcements in the transfer window.
The Red Devils’ nightmare Premier League start means they could be set to invest in the squad when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
Last week, reports claimed Manchester United had told sacked boss Jose Mourinho they would be pursuing Juventus trickster Costa when the window reopens in January.
As things stand, the Red Devils’ attack looks rather unbalanced.
Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford are all capable of playing on the left or down the middle.
But, on the right-hand side, United are short.
Mourinho was often forced to deploy Jesse Lingard there, despite the England international preferring to play down the middle.
Yet Rai Sport claim United have seen a bid of £54million for Costa fail.
It is claimed that Juventus were not convinced by the offer and, for now, are refusing to let the Brazil international go.
Whether United try to sign Costa again remains to be seen.
But interest at Old Trafford appears to be high and the club have coveted his signature in the past.
Meanwhile, United’s interest in Costa has been quested by ESPN pundit Steve Nicol.
“I’m not so sure about this,” Nicol said when asked if the Brazil international would suit United.
“I think Man United right now need proven, world-class ability.
“Douglas Costa possibly has world-class ability. He just doesn’t show it consistently.
“And I don’t think United need another guy they can’t rely on.
“[Anthony] Martial, as good as he is, is in and out.
“So I don’t think this is going to happen at all. I don’t see it, it’s a miss.”