Did Manchester Make the £17 Million Bid?

As I previously reported , Manchester United has been taking a long, hard look at Axel Witsel, the young Standard Liege midfielder. However, it now appears that they have no plans to sell Witsel in Jan. In fact, they are claiming they have actually turned down a bid of £17 million. There are a number of clubs checking on the progress of Witsel, but they have not revealed who the bid came from. Despite interest from Italy, France, and Spain, it is the host of Premier League clubs who look keenest. Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bolton and Middlesbrough have all been linked to him. At least they have been seen watching him. Standard's Vice President, Luciano D'Onofrio, has sent out a clear message that Witsel is not for sale and they have turned down a huge offer for him. "I had a bid of €20 million for Witsel and it was refused; it is not even a question." I very much doubt that it is Manchester United who launched the bid. OK, if we could get ... (link)