Manchester United: 5 Transfer Rumors Fans Should Be Excited About

Manchester United fans will have plenty of transfer rumours to wade through this summer. Already, the Premier League champions are being linked with an influx of talent from all over the world.

Which rumours should the Old Trafford faithful get excited about? Although United are rarely linked to players of poor quality, a handful of potential signings could be important to the Red Devils' future under David Moyes.

Let's take a look at five youngsters who could become huge stars in the famous red. 

Thiago Alcantara, Barcelona

Reported Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara has played down links to the Red Devils in recent days, according to Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old represents an interesting prospect for a United side that could embark on a major style change if players of his ilk are brought in. As reported by Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, the starlet's €90 million buyout clause has reduced to €18 million after he failed to play 60 percent of the La Liga season.

Thiago could become a creative force in the United midfield. He possesses excellent dribbling ability, ridiculous close control and an eye for the spectacular. The young Spaniard loves to bring his teammates into the game with intricate passing and key balls through the defensive line. His pass success rate of 92 percent could fit well into a United midfield that needs extra spark alongside Michael Carrick. 

Luke Shaw, Southampton

At 17 years old, Luke Shaw already has a number of exciting options. The left-back can continue to develop at Southampton or seemingly move to one of many elite clubs currently scouting him.

Manchester United are amongst those rumoured to be courting the youngster, and it's a move that makes perfect sense.

As detailed here, Shaw would be an exciting and smart addition to the left side of defence. United need a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra and would do well to lure Shaw—a self-proclaimed Chelsea fan—to the Theatre of Dreams.

Kevin Strootman, PSV Eindhoven

Look at that scowl. United needs that scowl. The Red Devils are crying out for a versatile midfield powerhouse who can help plug some of the team's defensive gaps.

That man is Kevin Strootman. Linked with United across the last year, the Dutchman recently received one of football's best backhand compliments by coach Dick Advocaat (via Metro): "Strootman is as good as Gareth Barry."

Joking aside, that's exactly the kind of player United must hunt for during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old excels in both the holding midfield and deep-lying playmaker roles. He could free up extra space for Michael Carrick and others to dictate, especially if an emphasis is put on carrying out defensive tasks.

While Everton's Marouane Fellaini is also a legitimate transfer target, Strootman should remain the priority, especially until Wayne Rooney makes a decision on his future.

Ross Barkley, Everton

Considering Rooney's second transfer request more closely, the acquisition of Ross Barkley would certainly be an exciting prospect for Manchester United fans.

The two players share a number of similarities. Both can play anywhere along the forward or midfield lines, offer a physical presence and an endless supply of energy. Barkley, just like Rooney, is also expected to achieve great things at the tender age of 19.

David Moyes should look to the future with his signings. Five years down the road, imagining a United midfield including Strootman, Barkley and Thiago is a mouth-watering prospect for everyone at Old Trafford. 

Juan Fernando Quintero, Atletico Nacional

Let's step outside the box for this one. While the aforementioned links are well known, Manchester United have reportedly shown interest in Colombian Under-20 midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero.

Having spent the 2012-13 season on loan at Serie A side Pescara, the emerging talent has received many plaudits for a number of exciting displays. He is an extremely clever dribbler whose skill on the ball and ability to draw in fouls often acts as an effective outlet for his side.

Quintero is part of a Colombian generation that continues to impress. Alongside the likes of Luis Muriel and Victor Ibarbo, he is an exciting prospect that could serve United well if they fail to land Thiago.

Which Manchester United transfer rumours are you excited to see? Let me know in the comments section below and be sure to follow me on Twitter right here:

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All statistics in this article are courtesy of WhoScored.