Spotting a Good Value, Under-the-Radar Signing for Manchester United

If Louis van Gaal hasn't learnt already, he soon will, that Manchester United like to be as tight as they possibly can in the transfer market.

United are linked to various players every week, with huge sums of money mentioned alongside them.

But if Van Gaal was going to go for good-value signings who are more under-the-radar, unlike Arturo Vidal, who could he look at?

Esteban Cambiasso

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Esteban Cambiasso is available on a free transfer after not being offered a new contract by Inter Milan. Inter's technical director, Piero Ausilio, confirmed that after 10 years at the club, it was time for the midfielder to move on, as reported by Sky Sports.

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Cambiasso will not renew his contract because we haven't offered him a renewal. He waited for our decision until now, and for that he must be thanked, but I'm convinced that in his future he'll have a role at Inter.

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Whilst his age and large salary might put some clubs off, United are certainly in the market for an experienced defensive player. 

Micah Richards

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As it stands, United's only right-back is Rafael da Silva, who has recently been sent home from the pre-season tour injured.

Micah Richards' development at Manchester City has been stunted by the emergence of Pablo Zabaleta. With just one year left on his contract, City are likely to be keen to sell Richards this summer to avoid losing him on a free next year.

Richards, who was a regular for England before Fabio Capello got the manager's job, is still only 26 years old and should have some of the best years of his career ahead of him.

City bought Richards from Oldham when he was a teenager and reportedly are owed a percentage of whatever transfer fee the club get for him according to the Manchester Evening News, meaning City will be keen to hold out for a higher price. However, with just one year remaining on his current deal and his status at the club clearly as a player who isn't needed, United should be able to sign Richards on the cheap. 

Giorgio Chiellini

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Whilst his name is now better known following the World Cup, thanks to being the latest victim of Luis Suarez's biting, Giorgio Chiellini should be available relatively cheaply.

His current contract with Juventus expires in 2015 which means they couldn't demand too much money for him.

Again, without the experience of Vidic and Ferdinand at the back, Chiellini could prove invaluable to United's group of young defenders. 

Samuel Eto'o

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Samuel Eto'o is available on a free transfer after Chelsea opted not to renew his contract. Following a very public falling out between the player and manager, Jose Mourinho, it's no surprise that Eto'o has left the club.

Last season, Eto'o managed 12 goals and six assists in all competitions, which isn't a bad record, given he wasn't Chelsea's first choice.

Reports, such as this from the Independent's Simon Rice, have suggested that United are open to selling Javier Hernandez this summer, meaning Eto'o on a free could be a good bit of business.