Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Latest on Red Devils' Top 11 Targets

Dozens of players have been linked to Manchester United over the last months.

The media have been responsible for naming them and for setting prices and arrival dates of footballers from all over Europe, but so far nothing has been confirmed.

For Alex Ferguson, some clubs tend to get desperate, which ends in signing any player.

However, those linked to United are either young talents who have proven their abilities with their local clubs and national teams or veterans who have already settled and can lead their teammates.

Perhaps if some of these signings happen, they will help the Red Devils to find a bit more stability.

Currently, they trail Manchester City in the Premier League by three points and were just eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool.

Here is a list of names that have attracted attention and the status of each movement.

Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels has been playing for German club Borussia Dortmund since 2008, after Bayern Munich loaned him (in 2009 he was bought).

The 23-year-old has been linked with Manchester United since last December, when it was reported that the Red Devils were ready to pay £15 million.

Hummels' transfer got cold and he'll stay in Germany, at least for the rest of the season.

Two weeks ago, TalkSport reported the centre-back saying that he wanted time to win more trophies.

Leandro Damião

At age 22, Leandro Damião has been playing for Brazilian club Internacional of Porto Alegre since 2010, but it was last year when he really made an impression after scoring 40 times.

Last week, several media outlets, such as Daily Mail, reported that United was ready to pay £24 million to have the striker in its squad.

Michael Ballack

As if bringing back a veteran like Paul Scholes wasn't enough, Caught Offside reports that Michael Ballack could be another option for Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Bayern Leverkusen midfielder certainly has experience in world-class events, such as the UEFA Champions League—he has been runner-up twice, one of them with Chelsea.

It was with the Blues that he won the Premier League, Carling Cup, Community Shield and FA Cup (3).

Mario Göetze

Mario Göetze is only 19 years old, but he has been on the radar of several first-class clubs, like Manchester United.

He plays for Borussia Dortmund since he made his senior debut back in 2009, and he has become a key footballer when it comes to creating plays and adding up to the offense.

Despite the interest of the Red Devils, Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Göetze will stay with his team.

Luka Modrić

Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić is in his fourth season with Tottenham.

He has played 140 matches and scored 15 times with the Spurs.

He's also a regular member of Croatia's national team—he received his first cap in 2006, and two years later made it into the Euro and was part of the Team of the Tournament.

According to Daily Mail, United may need to pay up to £50 million to bring the 26-year-old midfielder to Old Trafford.

Xherdan Shaqiri

When Sir Alex Ferguson's team fell short to advance to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League back in December, Xherdan Shaqiri became a player to follow.

He was responsible for the cross that Alexander Frei converted into Basel's second goal.

Shaqiri is fast and strong, but he also knows how to touch the ball. Long distance shots are one of his many skills.

The Red Devils' interest became stronger when Galatasary's intentions fell short, as reported by ESPN Soccernet. Now it seems like United, Tottenham and AC Milan are the clubs that have a real shot.

Nathaniel Clyne

Since 2008, Nathaniel Clyne has been playing for Crystal Palace.

He has appeared 109 times, scored once and won the Player of the Year award (2011).

At age 20, Clyne has already had key performances with his club. Last November, he showed his strength against United at the Carling Cup. He has also been part of England's U-19 and U-21 and will have a spot in the GB Olympic squad.

According to the Manchester Evening News, he might wear the Red Devils' jersey soon, as scouters are already negotiating the deal.

Wesley Sneijder

The rumours started last summer—Wesley Sneijder was supposed to be a Red Devil at the beginning of the 2011/2012 season. But it didn't happen.

The winter transfer window revived everything, and it seemed closer than ever, the Internazionale and Netherlands midfielder was on the radar yet again.

Nonetheless, Sneijder shut the door last week when he told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he wanted to focus with his team and that he felt great where he was.

Clint Dempsey

U.S. player Clint Dempsey is the latest player to be linked with Manchester United.

Dempsey is part of the new generation of U.S. footballers, and at age 23, he's been playing with Fulham since 2007 after a £2 million deal, according to BBC.

After six seasons, 209 appearances and 52 goals with the Cottagers, Dempsey could change teams soon.

On Saturday, Tribal Football reported that Liverpool and Manchester United might be interested in him.

Michel Vorm

Swansea City's goalkeeper, Michel Vorm, made his Premier League debut this season and has already made quite an impression.

He came from Dutch club FC Utrecht, where he had played six seasons.

Now the 28-year-old has been linked with United and Chelsea, as ESPN Soccernet reported two weeks ago.

Apparently, Swans director, John van Zweden, said that both teams had made enquiries about the Dutch.

Alex Ferguson has been backing De Gea up since he came into the club, but it's always a good idea to assess other options.

Eden Hazard

He turned pro in 2007 and has been playing with Lille OSC ever since.

He may be 21 years old, but he has already played UEFA Europa League matches, hoisted the Ligue 1 trophy and was named Ligue Player of the Year in the 2010/2011 season.

The Belgian plays as a winger, a perfect position to show off his speed and strength. 

Daily Mail reported that Hazard's agent acknowledges that Chelsea have already considered a deal. But Eden hopes that United make a bid, since he'd love to play at Old Trafford.