Manchester United Transfers: 10 Most Viable Summer Rumours so Far

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Being one of the biggest clubs in European football means that you garner a lot of attention and speculation during the transfer window. It's just inevitable.

With Manchester United needing to improve in a few areas, it's not too far fetched to believe that some of the players linked to the club could become realistic signings.

Here are the 10 most viable summer rumours so far.

Kevin Strootman

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The Mail online is declaring that Alex Ferguson will pay £15 million for PSV Eindhoven's Kevin Strootman.

Strootman plays similarly in style to former Old Trafford favourite Roy Keane, and £15 million isn't a crazy number for a talented midfielder.

With Paul Scholes returning from retirement, it's clear central midfield is an area that requires some attention.

Wesley Sneijder

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Which is also why Wesley Sneijder is also a possible target.

It's no secret that Sneijder almost moved to Old Trafford last summer, but the deal just didn't get done.

It's not very often Alex Ferguson misses out on his man, and Sneijder has suggested he could move if an offer came his way.

Markel Susaeta

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Atheltic Bilbao's Markel Susaeta is a talented winger who finds himself in the powerful position of having a contract that is due to expire in a years time.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all reported be keen on signing the player who is valued at £15 million, but likely to sell for much less thanks to his contract situation.

United would seem to be the obvious choice given his suitors.

Nicolas Gaitan

According to TalkSport, Manchester United are set to make a second bid for Benfica star Nicholas Gaitan after an initial offer of £16 million was refuted.

The second offer is believed to be worth around £20 million, and Manchester City is also believed to be interested.

Nathaniel Clyne

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The two Manchester clubs are also set to battle it out for the signature of Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne, who is a defender for the England U-21's.

Clyne will be a free agent in the summer, but a compensation fee—set by tribunal—is expected to be around the £2 million mark.

Eden Hazard

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Eden Hazard must be set for a lottery win because his name has been pulled out of a hat more times than I can remember this year.

However, if anybody can actually sign the talented Lille winger, it's Manchester United.

Hazard has reportedly stated he would be flattered by a move to the club.

Rio Ferdinand

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Football transfers aren't always one way, and Rio Ferdinand is the latest player to be linked with a big money move to China.

The article does not state which Chinese side are pursuing Ferdinand, but the contract offer would follow the expiration of Ferdinand's contract at the end of next season.

By that time, Ferdinand will be 35 and certainly past his prime.

Michael Owen

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Michael Owen has apparently not abandoned hope of staying at Manchester United beyond this season, but it certainly looks bleak for the former Ballon d'Or winner.

Injury prone and devoid of his once legendary pace, Owen find himself as surplus stock at Manchester United with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, and Dimitar Berbatov all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Championship side Brighton have expressed an interest, but I can't see that move occurring, no matter what Manchester United decide to do with the player.

Paul Pogba

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Paul Pogba is one of Manchester United's bright young talents and he wants to play first team football.

Trouble is, he's not getting regular pitch time which is making the player consider a move elsewhere.

Juventus are the latest team to be linked with a move for the player, with The Mail claiming the deal has already been done.

Dimitar Berbatov

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Dimitar Berbatov is clearly reaching the end of his Manchester United career, but Alex Ferguson's side are set to invoke a clause in his contract that extends his stay for another season.

Why?

So they can get more money for him, plain and simple.

Ferguson will attempt to offload the Bulgarian over the summer and recoup some of the £35 million he was paid in 2008.

Afterthoughts

While predicting outgoing players is always easier than predicting incoming ones, all of those featured on this slideshow seem easy to make a case for.

Perhaps most importantly for Manchester United is the arrival of a top class central midfielder to replace Paul Scholes long-term.

It remains to be seen whether Alex Ferguson agrees.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out The 50 Best Players in English Football Right Now.

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