Moyes spotted in Spain on scouting mission as Koke interest increases

Hello Folks, I'm sorry about the absence, I have been busy trying to sort things out, I missed blogging the last few weeks. Well, There is this Mobile Group I belong to on Whatsapp with very lively folks who kept me updated, both in transfer news, players, et al. On that note, am sending shouts out to Izzy, Sir Rtm, Sunshine, Lawal, Mamalet, Somcee, Tukor, Ruud. Thanks Guys for the love and encouragement. Now back to the matter!

Manchester United manager David Moyes was inside the Vicente Calderon in Madrid last night watching Atlético Madrid beat FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. Rumours suggested Moyes was watching Spanish midfielder Koke ahead of the January transfer window, but with United linked to Alex Sandro, Steven Defour, Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala over the past few months, there is a chance he was there to scout more than one player.

Moyes has been very clear that he takes his time when it comes to bringing new players in and his presence in the Vicente Calderon is the biggest indication so far that Koke could be on his wishlist.

Because United won their group, and Atlético Madrid has effectively already won their group, there was no chance of the two teams meeting in the round of 16, of which the draw takes place on Monday 16th December. Moyes mate have been there to scout FC Porto, thinking they could take the runner-up position, but they lost the match 2-0, and with FK Austria Wien beating Zenit St Petersburg 4-1, there was not chance of the Portuguese giants making the knockout stages of the competition. It still does not answer the question as to why Moyes was in Spain though.

José Luis Pérez Caminero, the director of Atlético Madrid spoke to Canal+ after the match, saying:

“I guess David Moyes wanted to come and see a Champions League team like ours.  They advanced to the next round as well. We spoke, but he didn’t tell me precisely what he was there to see.”

Koke also spoke to Canal+, playing down rumours of a possible move saying he did not now the United manager was there:

“I didn’t know [Moyes] was here. I’m not worried, I renewed my contract this summer.”

It has been revealed that the 21-year-old midfielder has a €24 million release clause, but it won't be easy to lure the player away from Spain. With his club making the knockout stages of the elite European competition, he will be less likely to want to move, as he would play no further part in the competition, but there is no reason why Moyes could not try and strike a deal to sign him in the summer, but it all seems like wishful thinking to me.

It is my thinking that Koke will draw the attention of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who would be more likely to succeed in signing the player if he were to move. I am sure the rumours will proliferate ahead of the transfer window opening on the 1st January though.