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19 April 2024

Man Utd to buy 'Yaya Toure': Barcelona slayer Wanyama

Victor Wanyama of Celtic celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group G match against Barcelona at Celtic Park on November 7, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. (GETTY)

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By Staff

There’s a new Yaya Toure on the block and this one is not from Barcelona, but the slayer of the mighty Barcelona.

The key to Manchester City’s persistent survival even in the face of a slump in form has been the Ivorian Toure and his dominance of midfield and marauding runs.

Manchester United have been missing the Toure factor, with Wayne Rooney having to do the box to box job.

Last week’s Champions League games is likely to change that come January.

Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of £25m rated Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama, hero of Celtic's epic win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Wanyama not only scored his side's first goal, but blunted the threat of Xavi and Andres Iniesta with his imposing presence.

United have Tom Cleverley and Anderson both in reasonable form, but it has been the Paul Scholes replacement that has not yet been ticked off.

Michael Carrick continues to playing holding midfielder with enough mistakes to worry Sir Alex.

Sir Alex had already been interested in Wanyama prior to the Barcelona win.

Come January, United seem set to lure Wanyama away from Scotland and in to an Old Trafford side that seems ready-made for his imposing presence.

United's chief European scout Martin Ferguson was in attendance at Celtic Park to watch the 21-year-old who has been followed with interest since July.

QPR failed with a £10 million offer for Wanyama in August while Manchester City, Arsenal and Sunderland have also shown interest.

Celtic signed Wanyama from Germinal Beerschot in Belgium for just £900,000 last year and last

Former United defender Gary Neville, talking of the player's performance against Barcelona, said: "That display has put him right in the shop window and Celtic will do very well to hold on to him."

Celtic has reportedly already rejected an offer to improve his deal, according to some press reports.

Wanyama in midfield will free Rooney to play the creative role and allow Sir Alex a dominance that United seem to be lacking in the middle of the park.

With a Yaya Toure in their ranks, and Robin Van Persie upfront, United seem ready for Premier League and Champions league glory.

VICTOR VICTOR