Ajax hold van Gaal to ransom over defender signing and other transfer rumours

Is Xabi Alonso going to Bayern?

Plenty of transfer rumours from around Europe today but once more Manchester United top the charts, Alex Johnson does her best Clarissa impression and explains it all.

The Sun says Manchester United's bid to sign Daley Blind has suffered another setback with Ajax holding out for 20m.

United have been linked with the versatile Dutchman throughout the summer but the Amsterdam club's director of football Marc Overmars has told the Red Devils they will need to pay the "absolute top price" if they're to force through a deal.

Despite Olivier Giroud being out until the New Year, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out signing a new striker before the end of the transfer window, ending the rumours that have seen the club linked with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani, according to the Metro.

One of Wenger's former protg's Alex Song could be about to return to the Premier League, with the same paper reporting the Cameroon international is set to end his unhappy spell at Barcelona with a move to Liverpool.

Moving away from the top four contenders and the Newcastle Chronicle say their local club are about to launch a bid for QPR forward Loic Remy, who spent last season on loan at the Magpies and is looking to leave Loftus Road.

Another striker who could be on the move is Palermo's Abel Hernandez, with the Daily Express saying he is close to signing for Hull, although boss Steve Bruce has admitted there is still work to be done before the deal is completed.

Crystal Palace are also set for a busy end to the transfer window according to ClubCall, after co-chairman Steve Parish revealed there will be money for new boss Neil Warnock to spend as he looks to add to his squad.

Their possible relegation rivals Sunderland could be about to pull off somewhat of a coup with the signing of Argentine Ricky Alvarez, courtesy of Football Italia, although Monaco are also interested in the midfielder.

Moving abroad and Goal.com say Real Madrid have identified Wolfsburg's Luiz Gustavo as their number one target following Xabi Alonso reported request to leave for Bayern Munich.

Gustavo was one of Brazil's few shining lights at the recent World Cup and would add some much needed steel to Carlo Ancelotti's midfield, especially if Sami Khedira also heads for the Bernabeu exit.

Another man linked with Los Blancos is Radamel Falcao, with Sky Italia reporting a bid could be made to Monaco for the Colombian striker on Thursday.

Finally and Football Italia are reporting that Juventus have turned down the possibility of a swap deal involving Bayern Munich, which would see defender Stephan Lichtsteiner exchanged for winger Xherdan Shaqiri.