Manchester United Transfer News: Major January Signings Eyed by Louis Van Gaal

Manchester United are reportedly ready to add as many as three new faces to manager Louis van Gaal's burgeoning, star-studded squad.

Germany internationals Julian Draxler and Benedikt Howedes could be joined by Portuguese playmaker Andre Gomes as part of a January spending spree.

Of the three, Howedes represents the most obvious need. The bullish centre-back is being targeted as part of a double deal involving fellow Schalke 04 star Draxler, per Daily Express reporter Ben Jefferson:

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United are believed to have sent scouts to Germany to watch the duo in recent weeks and reports in Spain suggest that Louis van Gaal is ready to step up his interest.

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The Red Devils' defensive frailties this term have been well-documented and Van Gaal is thought to see the versatile Howedes as the ideal tonic.

And it now seems that United could slap around £30m on the table in January in the hope that Schalke agree to send both Draxler and Howedes to the Premier League.

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That fee seems a little on the cheap side for a World Cup-winning defender, as well as one of the best prospects in Europe. However, there's no denying United have a major need for defensive help.

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The Red Devils have leaked 14 goals in just 10 league matches, per PremierLeague.com. Van Gaal will know that has to change if the Reds are going to be any threat in this season's title race.

Continuity and leadership have been obvious issues, per ex-United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who told BBC Sport:

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United's pairing of Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling was the eighth different centre-half combination Louis van Gaal has used in nine Premier League games.

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But, whoever is in Van Gaal's defence, he does not seem to have enough commanding players who can stand on their own two feet.

He needs a centre-half who can take the team by the scruff of the neck and say 'this is what we need to do'. That player is not in their squad yet.

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Perhaps Howedes could be the type of commanding defender Schmeichel is calling for. He certainly has the experience, along with the rugged qualities, needed to be a success in the Premier League.

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Howedes helped win the 2014 FIFA World Cup for Germany by filling in at left-back. But the 26-year-old's best position is undoubtedly in the middle.

Goal.com reporter Oliver Platt believes Van Gaal could view Howedes as an ideal solution to United's defensive woes:

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The centre-back has his best years ahead of him at 26 but has already played over 250 games in all competitions for Schalke and would bring some much-needed experience to a youthful United defence.

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From United and Van Gaal's perspective, the attraction of a defender who stands 6' 2" tall but has played full-back and even in midfield, resulting in a comfort in possession, is easy to see.

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Howedes represents a smart purchase for a team still needing to complete a dramatic makeover at the back.

The need for Draxler may seem less clear after United signed playmaker Angel Di Maria and striker Radamel Falcao this summer. The squad is also brimming with additional attacking talent in the form of forwards Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, along with midfielders Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj.

However, even with resources like these, van Gaal remains keen on Draxler, per Sunday Express reporter John Richardson:

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Arsenal attempted to bring Draxler to the Emirates in the summer but wouldn't meet Schalke's asking price which was in the region of £35million.

Now they have Manchester United as rivals for his services.

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Richardson did note how a hamstring injury is expected to sideline Draxler until 2015, but there's no doubt his reputation is growing. A list of admirers featuring several of Europe's biggest clubs is justified for a young player blessed with phenomenal talent.

Still just 21, Draxler is a rising star destined to eventually dominate the game at its highest levels. He possesses superb close control, a thunderous shot from both feet, keen creative instincts and electric pace.

That last quality helps explain United's potential interest. Van Gaal's team has looked short of pace at times this season.

The problem is particularly evident whenever Di Maria is unavailable. None of Rooney, Falcao nor Van Persie still possess the quickness to get behind defenders.

Draxler certainly offers that quality. He boasts the acceleration to shift into high gear at a moment's notice. He would be deadly in a wide role from either flank in Van Gaal's version a 4-3-3.

United haven't relied on that tactical structure this season, but Van Gaal has traditionally made it a big part of his plans. He used the formation to get the best out of Arjen Robben with Bayern Munich, years after making Brazilian master Rivaldo a prolific left-winger.

With a player like Draxler offering natural width, as well as the ability to cut inside and shoot, Van Gaal may feel comfortable deploying a more balanced front three.

However, United would first have to be satisfied with Draxler's ability to stay fit. He missed significant portions of last season due to injury problems and now his development has been interrupted again.

If it seems too difficult to think of an obvious place for Draxler, it's next to impossible to find one for midfield schemer Gomes. Yet that hasn't stopped reports suggesting United are ready to bid, according to Superdeporte (h/t Manchester Evening News) writer Samuel Luckhurst:

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Reports in Spain suggest United and Chelsea will vie for Benfica midfielder Andre Gomes, currently on loan at Valencia.

United seem to be linked with a Benfica player every year, with past players including Ezequiel Garay, Javi Garcia and Nicolas Gaitan.

Gomes, 21, made his Portugal debut in September.

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Gomes has been in brilliant form for Valencia this season. He's been a key member of a free-flowing team, scoring twice since joining Los Che.

However, United certainly aren't short of cultured, attack-minded midfielders. Mata, Januzaj and Di Maria can take care of the creativity in advanced areas. Signing Gomes would stunt the development of a player like Januzaj.

The young Portuguese ace would also find it difficult to supplant cerebral pass-masters Daley Blind and Ander Herrera in deeper positions.

Of the three targets listed here, Howedes seems not only the most likely but the more sensible transfer pursuit. He answers a greater requirement, in terms of defensive solidity, for a squad that already houses all the attacking resources it needs.