Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Red Devils Targets

As the World Cup in Brazil continues to unfold and elite footballers keep emerging on the biggest stage, Manchester United keeps popping up in the transfer wire.

New manager Louis van Gaal is currently in Brazil coaching up his Netherlands national team, sparking all sorts of connections for his Red Devils in the upcoming summer transfer market. Off one of the worst seasons in Manchester United history, they'll be aggressive when making moves in order to field a contending side in 2014-15.

Let's break down the latest Manchester United targets and what news surrounds them.

Alexis Sanchez

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Already a standout with Barcelona in La Liga, Alexis Sanchez's emergence with the Chile national team in Brazil has made him an even hotter commodity among Premier League clubs looking for a boost on the wing.

Manchester United is one of the latest clubs to be linked to Sanchez's services, as the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel reports a battle between United and Arsenal for the Chilean:

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Alexis Sanchez is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The Barcelona forward is set to leave Spain this summer, alerting Europe's big guns to his potential availability.

And the Chile international is a target for United and Arsenal as both club's plot their summer transfer business.

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Mokbel later adds that United is preparing for a move in the range of £22 million for the prized forward, but that the lack of Champions League football next year for the Red Devils could be "a stumbling block," per Mokbel.

The 25-year-old has shown flashes of elite ability with Barcelona, and that has carried over into the World Cup. He scored and added an assist against Australia in Chile's opener and was a force to be reckoned with against many of his club teammates versus Spain.

With Neymar in the fold, chances for first-team football in the Barcelona attack are tough to come by for Sanchez. His breakout play in Brazil should allow for Barcelona to dish him out for a hefty sum—whether it's to United or someone else.

As for the Red Devils, they've lacked a consistent threat on the wing, and Sanchez would be just that.

Arjen Robben

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Manchester United has been linked to (insert Netherlands player here) ever since Van Gaal took the reins and especially ever since he started coaching his Dutch side to early success in Brazil.

But none have been more noteworthy—or would be a bigger acquisition—than Arjen Robben.

Former Holland international Bryan Roy admitted to talkSPORT that Van Gaal is "desperate" to add the Bayern Munich attacker to his side at United.

This wouldn't be the first time that Manchester United had its shot at Robben. Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star reported that United passed up on him in 2004, offering £5 million before Chelsea swooped in with a £12 million deal.

However, since then, Robben has proven to be one of the world's best. He has shown that again throughout the Dutch's opening three games in Brazil and has remained an integral part of Bayern's attack.

It would take a big deal to force Bayern Munich to let go of the prized Dutch attacker, but if anyone can pull it off, it would be his international coach.

Ander Herrera

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From a mere pipe dream to a deal that already seems to be done, Manchester United is on the verge of signing Ander Herrera.

James Dickenson of the Express had the news:

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United have agreed to pay the £28.4million release clause in Herrera's contract with Athletic Bilbao.

And with Van Gaal backing the move from Brazil where he is coaching Holland at the World Cup, Herrera could seal his move within the next 24 hours.

According to reports in Spain, Herrera has already undergone a medical and flew to Manchester last night.

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Lost in the madness of potentially signing a world-class player is the fact that United is knocking on the door of one of its biggest acquisitions over the past few years.

At the ripe age of 24 years old, Herrera has made his presence felt for La Liga's Athletic Bilbao. United has had him on the radar for quite some time and is finally making its move.

With little to no young talent in the center of the midfield, Herrera has a great chance to start from day one. The Red Devils have been looking for their young star in the midfield, and he appears close to arriving.

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