HUNTERLAAR VERY CLOSE TO AN EXIT

Report: Manchester United Preparing Huntelaar Move
After all the high-profile arrivals, Real Madrid are going to have to start off-loading players.Shane Evans
Jul 7, 2009 6:43:05

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Real Madrid (Peace Cup 2009)Manchester United are preparing to make a €23million bid to end Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's brief stay at Real Madrid and revitalise his career at Old Trafford, according to a report.Manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to add the Dutchman to his new look front-line and it is believed that the Spanish giants would be willing to let the striker leave.The relationship between United and Madrid has healed after a rift grew when Ramon Calderon was in charge at the Bernabeu and the lines of communication are now open after the Cristiano Ronaldo deal.Huntelaar's was one of the first names to be linked with a move away from Los Merengues when Florentino Perez resumed control and he is set to be one of a large number of players leaving.After netting an incredible 113 goals in 136 games in Holland, the 25-year-old forward joined Madrid in January and was expected to play a major role in the absence of the injured Ruud van Nistelrooy.Instead, it was Gonzalo Higuain who led from the front and Huntelaar was unable to make the impression he craved; his chance now appears to have gone with the arrival of Karim Benzema.Michael Owen has already joined Manchester United this summer and Ferguson is said to want Huntelaar to bolster his options, and is preparing to make a move this week, The Sun states.As revealed exclusively by Goal.com today, Real Madrid will not be offering market discounts for Huntelaar or any of their other out-going stars, so United know they will need to meet the asking price.