Manchester United Transfers: Who They Want and Who They'll Get

The back pages of the tabloids have been filled with Manchester United-related gossip the past couple of weeks.

The Red Devils are believed to be one of the key players in this summer's transfer market, and could potentially make several big signings.

This article will look at several of new boss David Moyes' potential targets, and assess who he is most likely to sign.

No one can predict the future, but I will do my best.  

The Creative Midfielder: Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas

It is clear that David Moyes has pinpointed a lack of fluidity in the Manchester United midfield as an area of concern.

The Red Devils are in need of an imaginative spark; a player to provide creativity in attacking areas and link with the side's wingers and Michael Carrick behind him.

The two main candidates seem to be both from Barcelona: Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara.

Both play their best football in advanced positions across the pitch and are genuine goal-scoring threats.

At the moment, the former Arsenal player Fabregas is the more polished option, but the technically adroit Thiago certainly has the potential to be a future world-class player. 

Who They'll Get: Thiago Alcantara

It is probable that Fabregas is the more primary target for Moyes, but the move is an unlikely one.

The player clearly wants to remain at the Camp Nou, and any lingering loyalties to the Gunners would make it difficult for him to move to United.

He recently told Movistar (h/t Fox Sports): "I want to triumph in Barcelona, that club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can."

In Thiago's case, there is a legitimate link, and a very real possibility that a deal could be concluded in the next few days.

According to the Daily Mail, personal terms have been fixed between club and player, and £17 million is the agreed upon price tag.

The Box-to-Box Midfielder: Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Kevin Strootman

Armed with a bumper transfer kitty, David Moyes could make a double splash this summer in terms of central midfielders.

In this case, there is also a need for a box-to-box type player at Old Trafford. Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones are just not ready to dominate in this role.

PSV's Kevin Strootman has long been thought of as a future Manchester United player by fans of the club.

Then there are Juventus heavyweights Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. Both are top players working in unison ahead of the professor, Andrea Pirlo, for the Serie A side.

Of the three, Vidal is the most polished footballer, but Strootman and Marchisio are not too far behind in terms of being able to bring the ball up from the back. 

Who They'll Get: Kevin Strootman

In terms of availability, signing Vidal would be a very difficult ask of United. Marchisio is a more realistic target, but there have been reports that Juventus are unwilling to sell him too (via The Express).

In an interview with CalcioMercato.com, Juventus director general Beppe Marotta said: "[We] have never thought about selling Marchisio. Not now, not ever."

Strootman is a different proposition. He is an up-and-coming player whose club seems to be willing to accept that a move abroad is imminent.

His agent recently told reporters (via The Guardian): "[Strootman] is focused on England because that would suit his style. He has the physique, the character and the fitness for it. I am certainly not afraid he could handle that level."

The 23-year-old's price tag is likely to be somewhere in the region of £15 million to £20 million.

The X-factor: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale

If either Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale were to become available this summer, there is no doubt the Red Devils would love to land either one.

They are a different breed of player, the X-factor if you like. Add either one to the attacking talent already at Old Trafford and United would become unstoppable.

In Ronaldo's case, the Portuguese star still has an affinity for the club—a feeling that is certainly mutual.

Gareth Bale was a sensation last term, winning the PFA Player of the Year award for his transcendent displays for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Glazers are not the most cash rich owners in football, but might be willing to break the bank in order to fund a move for either player.

Who They'll Get: Unfortunately, Neither

Unfortunately for United, the chances of the club pulling off either transfer is incredibly slim.

In Bale's case, should Spurs decide to sell, Real Madrid are the leading contenders for his signature and would offer an astronomical amount to outbid their rivals.

Besides, Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has already declared his star pupil not for sale (The Guardian).

In Ronaldo's case, there is a growing feeling that the ongoing links with United are a means for him to extract the maximum amount from Real Madrid in contract negotiations.

Real are sure to pay whatever he wants in order to keep their X-factor on the books.

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