Arturo Vidal: Manchester United's £47m transfer stalled by injury doubts

Louis van Gaal is said to harbour concerns over a knee injury Vidal picked up last season

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United's protracted big-money move for the Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has hit perhaps its biggest stumbling block, after it was revealed that Louis van Gaal harbours concerns over the Chilean's lingering knee injury.

It had been thought that United's pursuit of Vidal was being hindered by a difference between the buyer's and seller's valuations of the player. Juventus are holding out for the £47 million valuation they have placed on the player, whilst United would prefer to pay no more than £35 million.

However, it seems that the bigger issue at stake may not be a monetary one. Vidal picked up a knee injury last season and went to the World Cup with Chile under-prepared and below full fitness.

This is a source of concern for Van Gaal, whose all-action system places greater than average demands on the physical fitness of his players.

Vidal's national team boss Jorge Sampaoli appeared to confirm the Dutchman's doubts in an interview with El Mercurio.

"United want Vidal but Van Gaal has doubts," said the Chile coach.

"Vidal was a great example during the World Cup in Brazil of not playing in the best of conditions.

"Manchester United want him, but what restrains his move to England for $80million is Van Gaal, who has doubts over his condition to the knee."

Vidal has been included in Juventus' 28-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, in an apparent sign of new boss Massimiliano Allegri's desire to keep the player and make him the fulcrum of the Turin club's midfield.