Big-Money Buys on Manchester United's Radar

It is not panic stations yet for Manchester United. Almost, but not yet.

Three weeks remain in the transfer window, and the Red Devils are yet to make a single significant signing.

The club has been linked with plenty of big-name targets, but so far nothing has materialised.

This article will optimistically list several top names who remain targets for United boss David Moyes.

Come August 31, fans will be hoping that at least one has made the move to Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo

There is a great number of Manchester United fans who believe that Cristiano Ronaldo will one day don the famous red shirt again.

The Portuguese superstar has never ruled out a return, even if it would take a momentous effort on the Red Devils' part to prise him from Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old is yet to renew his contract with Los Blancos, though speculation is rife he will do.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that he had agreed a deal to stay with Real until 2018, though this has not been confirmed by either club or player.

United will monitor the situation closely, ready to pounce if they sense further unease in Spain.

Luka Modric

On paper, there could not really be a better fit for what Manchester United currently need than Luka Modric.

The Croatian playmaker is an adept link between the back line and attack, and is always influential creating chances at the right end of the pitch.

He has been linked with a move to the Red Devils before. Most recently, The Times (subscription required) reported United were close to making their interest concrete.

The report said "Manchester United are planning a £25 million bid to sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid after coming to the reluctant realisation that they are unlikely to secure any of their primary transfer targets."

However, it will take a far greater offer to persuade Los Blancos to part with one of their biggest assets.

Cesc Fabregas

Those United fans who wanted their club to sign Cesc Fabregas, look away now.

The attacking midfielder told reporters this week that he will remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer.

"I am very happy at Barcelona and I haven't spoken to any other club in the last two years," he said, as reported by the BBC.

This is yet more devastating news for the Red Devils, who currently seem to struggle in attracting the world's best to Old Trafford.

He will remain on United's radar but it is swiftly becoming a lost hope.

Gareth Bale

The latest reports seem to suggest that Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have reached an impasse regarding Gareth Bale's signature.

According to The Guardian, Real president Florentino Perez does not believe Spurs' valuation of the Welsh forward is correct.

Manchester United have long been interested in acquiring Bale, but stumbling blocks also exist over his valuation according to the Daily Mail.

Tottenham would not want to sell to a fellow Premier League club, but that does not mean he is not on the Red Devils radar though.

Claudio Marchisio

Claudio Marchisio would be a perfect fit for Manchester United.

The Italian box-to-box midfielder has the experience and capability to control a midfield in the Premier League.

Earlier this month, the 27-year-old said "Obviously, I will not deny that I feel flattered when I see my name being linked with other clubs, including some of the most important and biggest in the world" with the quotes reported by Goal.com.

Since then, United's interest seems to have cooled as other targets have taken priority.

But should Juventus determine he is surplus to requirements, Moyes would be wise to consider an offer.

Ilkay Gundogan

For many Manchester United fans, Ilkay Gundogan is a dream target.

The Germany international impressed greatly for Borussia Dortmund last term, displaying the type of creativity and imagination the Red Devils are lacking.

In July, The Metro reported "Manchester United are ready to turn to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after missing out on Cesc Fabregas."

"The 22-year-old had two years left on his Dortmund contract, and despite talk over an extension in recent weeks, United are increasingly confident they could land him for around £20 million."

The Metro are not usually the most reliable source for transfer speculation, but that will not stop United fans from hoping the British paper is right on this occasion.