January Transfer Window: 4 Things Manchester United Need Before Demba Ba

ESPN Soccernet reported this week that Sir Alex Ferguson has demonstrated an interest in bringing Demba Ba to Old Trafford.

These rumours come off the back of a week where Harry Redknapp suggested that Ba's contract includes a release fee which is lower than £7 million.

But surely the last thing Man United need right now is a striker, right?

Despite the rumours, Rooney is running the show up front, and then there's the promising talents of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. To top this off, Dimitar Berbatov has proven time and time again that he is excellent cover for any injuries or suspensions.So why would Sir Alex need to bring in Demba Ba?

Here are four priorities for SAF, before he even thinks about buying another striker.

Centre-Back

With Vidic and Ferdinand coming into the twilight of their careers, Ferguson will soon have to consider buying a new centre-back.

With these two aside, United have three centre-backs available, and I'm including the somewhat talentless Jonny Evans in there.

A few weeks ago, SAF named a starting 11 with only two defenders, using Antonio Valencia at right-back and Michael Carrick at centre-back.

With Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both proving their worth at right-back, Sir Alex will definitely need to consider bringing in an extra centre-back.

What the media says: Neven Subotic from Borussia Dortmund according to stanjames.com, Inigo Martinez from Real Sociedad according to insidefutbol.com and Gary Cahill from Bolton according to The Sunday People.

My choice: I think that ex-United player Ryan Shawcross could be a good long-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic (check out my article on Shawcross here). Gary Cahill could also really fulfil his promise at United. Mats Hummels from Dortmund would be the dream.

Left-Back

Patrice Evra has not had a great season but has greatly benefited from the lack of competition for his place.

Evra is clearly past the peak of his career, so he is another star who SAF will need to replace in the near future, and while Fabio could develop into a good player, United will need someone with undeniable star quality.

The problem is, if one gets an injury and the other gets suspended, United are left with no real option at left-back as young Ezekiel Fryers is not ready for the EPL.

What the media says: Jordi Alba from Valencia according to tribalfootball.com and Jetro Willems from PSV according to footballtransfertavern.com.

My choice: Danijel Pranjic's Bayern Munich contract is expiring in the summer so he could be available for a reasonable price, although at 30 years old he could only really be a short-term fix. Porto's Alvaro Pereira is a great attacking full-back and could offer United what Patrice Evra has done in previous years.

Deep-Lying Playmaker

For months United fans have bemoaned the need for a replacement for Paul Scholes, and now he's back. Surely the problem is solved, right?

Wrong.

The Scholes return is likely to last until the end of this season, maybe even the end of next season as a stretch—he is by no means a long term replacement. To be honest, it's not even apparent as to whether he is as good as he was before he left.

The "Marmite" Carrick lovers (like myself) will say that he is doing a great job right now, but again, he's 30 years old so he will need to be replaced in the near future.

What the media says: Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao according to ibtimes.com, Cheick Tiote from Newcastle according to The Metro and Lucas Biglia from Anderlecht according to Daily Mail.

My choice: After watching him at the Under-21 European Championships, I would love to see Javi Martinez plying his trade at Old Trafford. I'd also love to see Jack Rodwell at the heart of United's midfield.

Advanced Playmaker

Bringing in an advanced playmaker would offer Wayne Rooney some extra support up front and could allow him to move back to his favoured striker position and focus on scoring the goals which the fans have been begging for.

There have been endless links with Wesley Sneijder for over a year now, but questions have been raised as to whether Inter are "holding United to ransom" by requesting such a large transfer fee. If you didn't catch it, check out my article Why Man United Won't Buy Sneijder.

Will Sir Alex splash out on Sneijder, or is he more likely to go for a more economically-friendly and younger option?

What the media says: Wesley Sneijder from Inter according to the Daily Mail, Joe Allen from Swansea according to squeakybumtime.com, Frank Lampard from Chelsea (Daily Mail again) and Eden Hazard from Lille according to givemefootball.com. 

My choice: While I'd be happy with any of Europe's wonder kids, such as Hazard or Mario Gotze, I'd much prefer the likes of Jack Wilshere coming to United, although Arsenal would slap an insane price tag on him.