Manchester United Transfer Targets: Rating Latest Players Linked to Old Trafford

The summer transfer window isn't far away and the newspapers and agents are busy dreaming up stories.

Manchester United are still in the title race, but are barely alive in the UEFA Europa League.

With a squad perceived to be weaker than their fierce rival Manchester City's, Sir Alex Ferguson has his eyes on a number of potential targets as he looks to shore up certain positions in the side.

Central midfield and central defence are the two major positions that need shoring up most urgently, and some of these links make perfect sense—positionally and financially.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Dede

An interesting link to kick us off then, and one that certainly makes sense.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson will look to improve his back line this summer with the acquisition of Brazilian central defender Dede.

The Vasco de Gama stopper has been catching headlines, as well as the eyes of many coaches.

The above article shows flattering quotes from Fluminese coach Abel Braga on how he shut down prolific and agile striker Vagner Love.

He's been tipped to be a mainstay in the Brazilian national team's defence. There's no way he can considered anything other than a fantastic prospect—one which Manchester United should snap up.

Nemanja Vidic will return to fitness next season, but Rio Ferdinand needs replacing. Jonny Evans has improved his form but if United want to challenge the best, they need four quality centre-backs.

Hassane Bangoura

According to Tuttermercato, Manchester United have expressed an interest in relative-unknown Lassane 'Lass' Bangoura.

He's an attacker currently plying his trade for Rayo Vallecano, able to play up front or on either wing. So far this season, Lass has scored three and assisted three in 11 starts.

Seems a bit of a weird one as far as transfer speculation goes, and will likely lead to nothing. United are stacked on the wings and don't have a particular need in the striker department.

There's every chance he'd be another Manucho or Mame Biram Diouf.

Javi Martinez

Javi Martinez has proved his worth this season by excelling in an Athletic Bilbao side who systematically destroyed Manchester United in their Europa League tie.

Whilst making a name for himself as a defensive midfielder—and in doing so winning the U21 European Championships with Spain—he's filled in at centre-back this season and proven his versatility matches his skill.

He's been linked with a big money move to Manchester United in the past, as this article in Goal.com states, and those rumours are picking up again after another great performance in their back yard.

He's not short of modesty either, recently claiming he's not worth the €40 million price tag that's been placed on his shoulders.

We all know that whoever gets Javi Martinez is a lucky club. He's an A-grade transfer prospect.

Matias Suarez

Matias Suarez is another tricky, young talent being linked to Manchester United for the summer.

Able to play on the wing or through the middle, he's an offensive player with limited defensive capabilities.

As stated, United are stacked on the wings, and this guy isn't disciplined enough to hold a pure central midfield role.

It's incredibly unlikely Sir Alex Ferguson will part with £10 million for him.

Luka Modric

Not a link as such, but an inference by Sir Alex Ferguson.

According to Football Transfer Tavern, the Scot has likened Luka Modric to Paul Scholes.

Although he states they are different types of players, he does admire the way Modric can take a game by the scruff of its neck and dictate it.

While the speculation surrounding the Croatian's future grows tiring, Daniel Levy has sought to offer his star player a £3.5 million loyalty bonus to keep him at White Hart Lane.

This link shows the flattering words Ferguson used to describe Modric, and with Scholes probably hanging his boots back up again at the end of the season, Tottenham Hotspur might have two clubs to fend off.

Luka Modric is a world class playmaker—something that Manchester United desperately need.

James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez has been a standout star for FC Porto so far since he was poached from Banfield in the Argentine Premier Division.

Once a creative, attacking threat through the middle, Rodriguez's game has changed and he's now just as effective from the left wing position.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent a scout to watch him during FCP's 4-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, according to The Metro.

With regards to any potential move in the future, it's clear to see the playmaker wouldn't turn United down.

He'll be tough to acquire, but could shine through the middle and solve Manchester United's need for a long-term midfield maestro. His buyout clause is €45 million. Steep.

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