Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Latest Gossip on Astori and Outside Targets

Despite the summer transfer window being little over a week old, Manchester United have dominated the gossip columns with links to plenty of star names. While potential deals for Thiago Alcantara, Ezequiel Garay and Leighton Baines continue to dominate, a handful of lesser known stars are being touted for a move to Old Trafford.

These outside targets are easily overlooked for a selection of names that are instantly more glamorous. Although the Premier League champions are often said to be signing any quality player who possesses two legs, a trio of less obvious talents are rumoured to be on David Moyes' radar.

According to the Daily Express, the Red Devils have shown interest in bringing Cagliari centre-back Davide Astori to the Theatre of Dreams. The 26-year-old racked up 32 appearances for his club last season and has regularly shown excellent tackling skills in important matches. Astori also managed to receive two red cards and five cautions throughout the 2012-13 campaign, a number he needs to work on immediately.

Astori is an Italian international who recently scored during the 2-2 draw with Uruguay at the Confederations Cup. The former Milan player—who could be prized away from Cagliari for £10 million—has also attracted interest from Southampton and Milan, according the Daily Star.

Defensive improvements look to be Moyes' priority right now. Alongside United's link to Astori, the Daily Express reports another Serie A defender could sign for the English club. Inter Milan centre-back Andrea Ranocchia is rumoured as another possible option if the incoming boss misses out on Benfica's Ezequiel Garay.

Much like Astori, Ranocchia is an excellent interceptor of the ball and never shies away from making tackles. He is a keen mover of the ball and clocked a pass success rate of 88.3 percent during last season's Serie A campaign. Drawing parallels to Astori once more, he also encountered the referee's wrath on several occasions, totting up 11 domestic bookings throughout the 2012-13 season.

Despite being a year younger than his Italian counterpart, Ranocchia is a far more experienced player. He has represented Italy 10 times since 2010 and has appeared in the Champions League, a competition Astori is yet to feature in.

Sticking with those determined tacklers at the back, Metro reports Granada left-back Guilherme Siqueira could be sought if Manchester United fail to land Leighton Baines. He is perhaps the least-known prospect on this list of outside targets, but could represent useful business for the English champions.

Siqueria is an attack-minded full-back who produced six goals and three assists for the La Liga side last season. The 27-year-old is a lethal crosser of the ball and possesses effective dribbling skills. He is constantly active and looking to include himself in play, whether it be with precise tackles or last-ditch blocks. For £6 million, he could emerge as something of a bargain.

Manchester United's business is yet to kick into gear, but as these targets show, there are plenty of options for Moyes to mull over. Will the Scotsman opt for any of the aforementioned players? Time will only tell.

Follow @Nakerman