Manchester United Transfer News: Simeone Laughs Off Van Gaal's Offer for Atletico Ace

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has warned Manchester United that they will have to stump up much more than the purported £16m fee, if they are planning to make an approach for defender Diego Godin during the January transfer window.

The Red Devils have been linked with several central defenders of late, including Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte, as Louis van Gaal looks to improve his inexperienced defence going into the New Year.

Godin has featured heavily in the transfer rumours surrounding United recently, with reports suggesting that the English giants are lining up a €20m [£16m] move for him. But Simeone has now laughed off the speculations, insisting only a much bigger offer will force Atletico to part company with the Uruguay international.

"How much? Twenty [million Euros]? For Godin?" the Metro quoted the Argentine tactician as saying.

"It must be a mistake. Let's talk about something else."

Godin's performances have been instrumental in Atletico winning the La Liga last season and reaching the Champions League final. Apart from keeping the defence steady throughout the campaign, the 28-year-old also scored the Rojiblancos' equaliser at the Camp Nou - in the last match of the season - to clinch the club's first league title in 18 years, while he also gave them the lead in the Champions League final.

The defender has made 20 appearances in all competitions for the reigning La Liga champions this season, scoring three goals.

Meanwhile, Angel di Maria has thanked United for spending big to bring him from Real Madrid to Old Trafford in the summer.

The Red Devils smashed the British record transfer fee in August to snap the Argentina international for £59.7m, and the player has had a bright start to his Premier League career.

"I am thankful to Manchester United for bringing me here. Regarding the fee paid for me, it is an arrangement between clubs. I just play. If the amount paid reflects my value and United decided to pay it, then I am thankful and happy for that," the 26-year-old pointed out.