Manchester United Transfers: 5 Players You Didn't Know They're Trying to Sign

At global sporting superpowers like Manchester United, the hunt for new players never stops.

Massive football clubs such as United are always looking to strengthen their team, from the various academy levels all the way up to the first team.

From established, universally known stars ready to make a big impact at the highest level, to young academy talents hyped extensively in football's most exclusive circles, the Red Devils undoubtedly have hundreds of players on their radar.

And that means there will be a lot of names touted in the media as all the big names in the game are linked with a move to places like Old Trafford.

It also means there will be some names which fall under the radar—big and small.

For example, did you know United signed Adnan Januzaj back in March? Probably not, because he's a 17-year-old signed from RSC Anderlecht for the under-18 side for a fee of £297,000.

So as the transfer season heats up and United get linked with Shinji Kagawa, Eden Hazard, Luka Modric, Leighton Baines, etc., here are some of the players you (probably) didn't know they're trying to sign.

David Alaba

Barely reported at all in the English-speaking media, speculation from Austria suggests Manchester United are looking to sign David Alaba from Bayern Munich.

As per BBC football journalist Phil McNulty:

"

Lots of speculation in the Austrian media today that Man Utd are showing serious interest in Bayern Munich's young defender David Alaba. #fb

— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) May 23, 2012"

The 19-year-old is apparently considered by Sir Alex Ferguson as a possible future replacement for Patrice Evra.

And it's clear to see why. The young talent is having a remarkably composed season in both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

Guilherme Siqueira

It was Metro reported a few months ago that Manchester United had sent their scouts to watch Granada left-back Guilherme Siqueira in action.

Sir Alex Ferguson's brother Martin was said to be in the stands to watch the Brazilian in Granada's home game against Sevilla, and he has apparently been to see him play a few times since.

And now, according to Pat McGatt of Click-Manchester.com, Granada—who narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga—are hoping the Red Devils will act on their interest.

The 26-year-old has a buyout clause of £12.5 million.

It's a lot of money for a player who's unproven at the highest level, but Siqueira was the club's highest goalscorer in La Liga this season with six goals—impressive for a full-back.

Bryan Oviedo

As the hunt for Patrice Evra's successor goes on, Emirates247.com reports Manchester United are interested in FC Copenhagen left-back Bryan Oviedo, with their scouts apparently watching the 22-year-old in his team's 5-0 away win to HB Koge.

The 13-capped Costa Rica international has been a key part of the Copenhagen side this season, starting in two-thirds of their league matches this season, as well as being a key part of his team as they won the DBU Landspokal (Danish FA Cup)—Oviedo chipped in with five assists from six games.

David Henen

After signing Adnan Januzej from RSC Anderlecht, Manchester United look set to raid the Belgian club's academy yet again, this time for 16-year-old attacking midfielder David Henen, who the Daily Mail reports is on the radar of the Premier League giants.

The player already has his own official Facebook page, and already there are videos of his talent on YouTube.

Tipped as a big talent for the future, Henen has scored four goals in seven caps for the Belgium U16s, following on from five goals in six caps for the U15s.

Foday Nabay

The mad scramble to recruit the best talent starts at an increasingly younger age in football, and now it seems, according to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are set to do battle with Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal for Foday Nabay.

The midfielder plays for the Birmingham City U14 team, and despite only being 13-years-old, he is wanted by all of the top clubs in the Premier League—especially after he was called up to the England U16 side last summer, four years above his age group.

Which proves that no matter the age, the hunt for new talent in football never stops.