Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Antonio Candreva Would Be Solid Addition

David Moyes has yet to make a big splash in the transfer market since taking over as manager at Old Trafford, but that doesn't mean the club isn't actively seeking ways to stay atop the English Premier League table next season. 

Sky Sports reported on Saturday that Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement is happy with the progress of the team's transfer targets; he and United might be less happy and more willing to up transfer efforts after the events of Saturday's 1-0 loss to Singha All Star XI.

Manchester United have been keen on adding Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara to their Premier League roster for the upcoming season, but reports are now starting to surface linking the 22-year-old to former boss Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich. 

According to James Dickenson of Daily Express, Guardiola is taking a "Thiago or nothing" approach to the transfer window at this point in the game. 

That news has to come as a disappointment to the Red Devils, who have been listed as a prime suitor for the youngster since reports surfaced that he wanted to leave Camp Nou for greener pastures. 

But the beat goes on, as they say, and Moyes can't afford to avoid upgrading his midfield because Alcantara might be flirting with the idea of moving to Germany instead of England. 

With or without the Barcelona star, the Red Devils would be making a solid transaction by seeking a transfer for Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva, who is fresh off a strong performance for Italy at the 2013 Confederations Cup. 

Dickenson reported on Friday that Moyes was set to turn his attention to the 26-year-old Italian in the event of an Alcantara snub, noting that Napoli, Manchester City and Tottenham lead a host of other clubs with interest. 

According to this Twitter post from Football Italia, AC Milan is also checking Candreva's status with respect to a potential move:

If United was to submit a reasonable bid for his services, Candreva would provide low-risk value to a side that needs help in his area of expertise. Although his specific fit might be an early concern, he would bring versatility and strong skill to a lineup desperate for midfield depth. 

Bleacher Report's Matteo Bonetti, for one, thinks Candreva would be a welcome addition to Moyes' lineup:

Candreva has 11 caps for the Azzurri, and had six goals to go along with five assists for Lazio in 32 Serie A matches last season. He's not a flashy name by any stretch of the imagination, but is a solid ball-striker who makes plays for his teammates on the counter attack. 

Particularly sharp with the long ball, Candreva is excellent at both finding the net and sending crosses for his teammates from deep distances. He showed some of that skill for the Italian national team, and his highlights at Lazio are full of strong clips that showcase that idea even more. 

Moyes and United have been patient with the transfer window so far. The uncertain future of Wayne Rooney has been the top story at Old Trafford this summer, but it's time for the Red Devils to bolster their areas of need before the 2013-14 EPL season begins. 

Paul Scholes' retirement leaves a big hole in the midfield for Moyes to fill, and that void could certainly be patched with a solid player of Candreva's caliber. 

While Alcantara likely remains United's top transfer target, rejoining his old boss and the current Champions League trophy holders might be too good to pass up. 

To avoid missing out on upgrading the position at all, Moyes and company would be wise to find a way to tempt Lazio enough to ensure a transfer in the coming days. If not, the midfield could be a very sore topic indeed this year at Old Trafford. 

Follow B/R's Ethan Grant (@DowntownEG) on Twitter.