Manchester United Transfer Rumours: 5 Players to Keep an Eye on

The transfer window has been open for quite some time and as we approach the beginning of the 2011-12 English Premier League season, there are still things that are needed to be done by the defending EPL champion Manchester United squad.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been working diligently to grab replacements for big holes left from last season.  A new goaltender, a replacement for Paul Scholes and some moves to shore up the back end were some of the major moves needed to be done in order to be favourites for a 20th English title.

There are some players Fergy is looking at.  Some are quite obvious so enough of the jibber-jabber.  Here are five players to watch out for in the transfer window and maybe you'll see them in a Manchester United uniform in about a month's time.

Wesley Snider (from Inter Milan)

This is more of a deal that is about to be made but it looks like Wesley Sneijder will be playing for Manchester United this upcoming season.

The deal is worth £35 million and Sneijder will earn £190,000 per week.

Sneijder played for Inter Milan in his last two seasons after coming from Real Madrid.  His prowess at midfield is well known, especially after his performance for the Dutch in the FIFA World Cup 2010 tournament.

Replacing Paul Scholes is a tough task but Sneijder should be more than fit for the task.

Paulo Henrique Ganso (from Santos)

With the re-tooling of the midfield to be in top priority, Ferguson is looking for some youth and a guy like Ganso fits that mould.

Many reports suggest that Ganso is the "new Kaka" and the 21-year-old could be well on his way to Europe as many teams such as AC Milan and Paris St Germain are in a bidding war for the talented Brazillian.

Ferguson isn't taking any chances as reports suggest another key player on his wish list, Samir Nasri, could be staying put in Arsenal.

With Ganso, Ferguson is getting a young player that he can put in a winning situation and get results.

Remember, he did grab David De Gea to replace Edwin Van Der Sar so Ferguson does seem comfortable putting younger guys in high pressure situations.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (from Bayern Munich)

It seems Ferguson's dream of getting Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger isn't over.  Hopes of replacing Paul Scholes and getting a veteran midfielder is a win in the eyes of Manchester United supporters.

The report says that Bayern may not be too keen on selling their vice-captain to a major European rival but if the price is right, they could have something to talk about.

In league action, Schweinsteiger played 32 matches and netted seven goals for Bayern Munich in 2010-11 and was named to the FIFA World Cup 2010 All-Star team.

With him being on Ferguson's wish list for long enough, it could only be a matter of time before he gets his wish.

Luka Modric (from Tottenham)

A bidding war has taken shape as both Manchester United and Chelsea are looking to add midfielder Luka Modric from Tottenham.

Modric has spent the last three years with the Hotspur, tallying three goals in Premiership play in the 2010-11 season.

Just another play for Ferguson as he looks to beef up the middle after it was exposed so dearly by Barcelona in the Champions League Final this past season.

Tottenham is reportedly looking to keep the talented player on board and partner him up with another midfielder they are going after, Paulo Henrique Ganso but you cannot count out the bidding power of Ferguson as he looks to solidify his midfield and make a run at the Champions League crown once again.

Jack Rodwell (from Everton)

Reports from about a month ago suggest that Jack Rodwell was part of a bidding war by top English teams, notably Man City and Man Utd.

The rumours have subsided for now but Rodwell could still be on the wish list of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rodwell has played his entire career with Everton and has only scored six goals overall in four years with the club.

If he stays in Everton, Rodwell knows he must step his game up or else he could be gone by the time the next transfer window opens up.

For now, things remain quiet but could Rodwell be a surprise addition to the Man Utd squad by August 31?  What about any of the other players listed?  What do you think?

Mark Pare is a B/R Summer Internship Writer.  Check out his Twitter feed or B/R profile for his latest articles and news.