Sport

Frozen out and heading for cold: Russia calls for Manchester United’s Nani as Anzhi Makhachkala look keen

By Ben Southworth

Nani’s Manchester United future is in doubt as big-spending Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala have declared an interest.

The Portuguese winger, who joined United in 2007, won’t join the rest of the squad on their three week pre-season tour due to injury – and could be set to leave before Moyes and his team return for the upcoming season.

Anzhi would be an inviting prospect for Nani should he leave the club.

Former United coach Rene Muelensteen has already joined Guus Hiddink’s staff at Anzhi and could play a large role in any deal going through.

United, who turned down an £8.5million bid from Galatasary for Nani last year, are now thought to be open to offers following the arrival of Crystal Palace wonderkid Wilfried Zaha.

Nani, who joined the club for £17million, has struggled with consistency throughout his six-season spell at United.

This resulted in the winger making only ten Premier League appearances last season – he made 29 during the 2011-12 season.

With only one year left on his contract, United would almost certainly make a loss on the £17million they paid for Nani should he move on.

However, new manager Moyes will want to mould the squad into his own and has given the winger no assurances that he will feature on a regular basis in the new season.

Roma are also thought to be interested in the Portuguese international.

Picture courtesy of Gordon Flood, via WikiCommons, with thanks. 

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