Manchester United Transfer News: Ashley Cole Boost, Juan Mata Exit Fee Touted

Manchester United's hopes of snapping up Ashley Cole have been galvanised alongside speculation linking Roma with a move for Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, according to reports.

Corriere dello Sport (via Jamie Anderson of the Express) link the Serie A side to Rodriguez, whose stock continues to rise in Germany. Anderson's article suggests this may aid Louis van Gaal's quest to find cover for Luke Shaw, whose performances continue to improve during a difficult time for United's defence.

Injuries and poor form have hampered the side's output at the back this season. Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are yet to take charge in the absence of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, forcing new signings such as Shaw and Marcos Rojo to experience a baptism of fire during their opening weeks with the club.

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Shaw posted a quality display during the win over Crystal Palace, building on his confidence-boosting performances against Chelsea and Manchester City. It would be beneficial for the youngster to compete with Cole for a first-team spot, particularly as the former Chelsea man can offer the 19-year-old respite this season.

However, according to a report on Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio's website, Roma are yet to show significant interest in Rodriguez and may even be put off by his potential cost.

There is "no confirmation at our end," writes columnist David Amoyal, who suggests Wolfsburg's likely decision to insert a buyout clause into the defender's contract "is why Roma isn’t interested in pursuing him further" at the current time. "Roma still has confidence in Cole and (Jose) Holebas," the side's two left-back options, according to Amoyal's report.

Interestingly, Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft hints Roma's potential lack of interest could see United aim to land Rodriguez instead:

Both Cole and Holebas appear to be in good spirits at the Stadio Olimpico, as tweeted by B/R UK:

United's summer signings have largely settled well, but added defensive solidarity will improve everybody's output at the club. Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News recently cast his eye over the new boys in a chat with B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

Juan Mata, who arrived in January of this year, is one United player tipped to exit, though. The creative Spaniard came off the bench to score the winner against Palace and once again reminded everyone of his qualities. A potential move to Juventus, Atletico Madrid or Valencia is touted by Anderson, who suggests £20 million would be enough to land the former Chelsea star.

Such a sum appears rather unlikely and would expose a serious flaw in United's transfer system if it went ahead. Considering the side paid £37.1 million for him just 10 months ago, supporters would be up in arms if little over half that price sees Mata leave.

Van Gaal was "pleased" with the player's impact against Palace, per BBC Sport. Fans need to remember the Dutchman has constantly rotated his side out of necessity this season and that Robin van Persie is the only outfield player to make more Premier League appearances than Mata, recorded by WhoScored.com.

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Selling the player would be disappointing, but suffering a significant financial loss in the process would be unforgiveable. United are still under Financial Fair Play regulations, despite their lack of European football, and would be a laughing stock if such a bid was accepted. Even so, Mata's potential departure has been hinted at since the start of the season.

January is likely to be a busy month for the Red Devils. Van Gaal doesn't necessarily need anymore left-sided defenders and could be better served to find a powerful centre-back. Cole would add quality to the flank, there's no doubt about it, but central areas need to be prioritised.

United's success will be limited until this happens. Additional defenders were craved during the summer and are essential now, meaning Van Gaal will have plenty to answer for if he doesn't strengthen the squad and United fall short of the Champions League places.