Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils to Rival Real Madrid for World Cup-Winning Midfielder

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign German midfielder Christoph Kramer as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his midfield region in January.

The 23-year-old, who is currently on a two-year loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, has managed to attract the attention of a lot of clubs with his impressive performances of late.

And according to talkSPORT, the Red Devils have also joined the race for the £8 million-rated defender.

Although the asking price of Kramer is not very high, landing the youngster is certainly not going to be easy as Real Madrid are also reportedly interested in his signature. He was part of the German squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Germany this summer

With Luka Modric ruled out until next year and Sami Khedira is likely to leave the Bernabeu after the expiration of his contract this summer, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to sign a new defensive midfielder in January.

Although Cruzeiro's Lucas Silva remains the Los Blancos' top target in January, Ancelotti is reportedly keeping Kramer as a back-up if they fail to secure the 21-year-old Brazilian's signature.

"I cannot speak about players who are not in Madrid and save me from saying this, but he [Kramer] is a player I like. I like a lot of midfielders," Ancelotti told the Daily Star.

Apart from Real Madrid, Manchester United will also be facing tough competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, who are also believed to be interested in Kramer.

Arsenal are desperate to sign a holding midfielder with the club struggling with injuries to Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere, while Liverpool are reportedly looking for a long-term replacement for their captain Steven Gerrard, who may be leaving Anfield after the end of this season.

Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Denis Law has backed Ramadel Falcao to do well in the Premier League, despite him failing to impress at Old Trafford so far.

The 28-year-old Colombian, who is currently on-loan at the United, has not been able to emulate his goal scoring form at Porto and Atletico Madrid as yet, but Law is certain that he will start firing once he adapts to the Premier League.

"Falcao looks well and is a very good player. There is no doubt about that and once he gets fully fit and feels right, he will come good. Good players will always play well, no matter which team they go to. It's just a matter of slotting in," Law told Manchester United's official website.

"I think it can be difficult for overseas players to adapt. Not as difficult probably as it was in our day because the world has shrunk. We had a telephone and that was basically it."