Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Top 5 Summer Targets for Sir Alex Ferguson

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Manchester United's bid to retain the Premier League title next year will require some new signings.

All the big clubs have been linked with a number of players over the last few months, and Manchester United is no exception.

United did well to fight through a number of injuries this season, but the team also needed a player in one of the most important areas on the pitch.

There are not many players that are likely to turn down a move to the club, and Manchester could very well end up strengthening exactly where needed.

Here are the top five transfer targets for Sir Alex Ferguson this summer.

Nicolas Gaitan

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There have been a lot of reports linking Manchester United to Nicolas Gaitan in the past few months.

That, as well as the fact that the player himself would like to play for the club, makes Manchester United strong favourites for the Benfica player.

Gaitan is still on this list because the deal has still not officially been announced by Manchester United, though the Telegraph apparently has details.

Shinji Kagawa

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Speculation concerning Manchester United's interest in Shinji Kagawa has increased as both Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Mike Phelan were seen watching the player during the German Cup final.

The Japanese playmaker has reportedly been unwilling to extend his contract, and that is a really positive sign for the club.

Leighton Baines

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Mirror Football reports that Manchester United may soon submit a bid for Everton left-back Leighton Baines.

With Patrice Evra on his last legs and Fabio seemingly not seen as the long-term option for the future, Baines could prove to be an important target for the club.

Bayern Munich has also been linked with a move for the player.

Mathieu Debuchy

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According to the Metro, Manchester United may soon make a move for Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy.

The Lille player has been linked to the club before and with this recent rumour, it seems that interest in Debuchy may become a reality.

Players like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling had to fill in at the right-back positions during the year, but Sir Alex Ferguson would prefer if they were able to play in their central positions.

With Rafael having dealt with some injury problems this season, Debuchy, 26, could be brought in as a long-term option and fill the starting role right away.

This move, coupled with the move for Leighton Baines, would greatly increase the strength and depth of the United defense.

Wesley Sneijder

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A lot of signs point toward Manchester United renewing their interest in Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

Manchester United favourite Teddy Sheringham has called for Sir Alex Ferguson to sign the player this summer.

Inter's poor season and the poor form of the player himself may make Sneijder and the club more willing to negotiate a move. The Dutchman has stated his interest in the club in the past.

United were linked with the player a lot of times in the past summer as well as throughout the season, and with the club just missing out on the league title—its last chance for silverware—Sneijder could be seen as the man to take them over the hump next season.