Manchester United Transfers: A Midfielder Should Be Top of Ferguson's Wish List

Manchester United need a new central midfielder. If they are to close the gap on the world's best, they need to have a more solid foundation.

This is an observation taken not just from the derby but from the season so far. United have been unable to grab hold of games in the middle of the park on occasion, something which can be remedied in January.

A weaker talent pool in the middle of the park was something many Manchester United fans feared after Sir Alex Ferguson eventually failed to acquire the magnificent Wesley Sneijder.

Here are some quality options for Ferguson this January and United fans will be hoping they pick one of them up.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Yann M'vila

The current hype regarding the Frenchman would suggest he has all the makings of a world beater.

He is not the finished article, but he is a very talented midfielder. He generally sits in a deeper role and acts as a midfield destroyer but he is surprisingly creative too.

Having burst onto the scene thanks to France manager Laurent Blanc, he has acquired 15 caps and a single international goal whilst battling fierce midfield competition.

He currently plays for the rather unglamorous Rennes but still wouldn't come cheap having already captained the side once. His next move will be a major one though and Manchester United will need to snap him up now if at all.

Marek Hamsik

This transfer would be incredibly difficult to pull off and would cost a great deal of money, but Marek Hamsik is worth every penny.

Napoli are performing well in Serie A, look good in the Champions League and are considered by many as title contenders.

Unfortunately for Napoli, there's not much of a chance that they'll stumble over the line and be crowned Serie A champions and the undoubted lure of Old Trafford could easily influence the Slovakian's preferences.

If Manchester United signed Marek Hamsik in January, I'd immediately walk to the bookies and put money on them to win the league.

Daniele De Rossi

Most likely a cheap option considering his level of ability, Daniele De Rossi is out of contract this summer with AS Roma.

That means in January it's either pre-contract time, or someone's getting a cut price deal.

Daniele De Rossi is widely touted to join Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, but Manchester United can offer just as much as their neighbours can.

The Italian midfielder is a great anchor and a great play maker. His long shot is vicious and his captain's credentials in the middle of the park are exactly what Manchester United need.

Joao Moutinho

Joao Moutinho is a versatile leader in midfield which is what Manchester United need.

He can play deep, central or attacking and puts the work rate and effort it in to match his skill.

He was made captain of Sporting Lisbon at an absurdly young age showing maturity beyond his years.

He is tidy, quick, neat and classy. He currently plays for FC Porto and while they have several players in-demand, he wouldn't command a fee that was too high for United should they wish to pay it.

Who Won't Help?

In my opinion, Manchester United need a certain type of player. A versatile midfielder who can attack and defend providing stability in the formation.

Someone like Nicolas Gaitan, who is incredibly skilled, would not be a good fit for Manchester United right now as he would simply be another Anderson.

Welcoming Darren Fletcher back to fitness is a big boost for United but reports suggesting Michael Carrick will be sold suggest a midfield recruit is badly needed.

If Manchester United are to state their intentions to close rivals Manchester City, they need to make their next signing a massive one.