Manchester United Transfer News: Top Stars Tipped for Louis Van Gaal Raid
The hunt to improve defensive standards at Old Trafford looks to be on as Manchester United continue their search for a new generation back line leading up to the January transfer window.
The club have achieved some stability after managing to deal with a barrage of unfortunate injuries, but that hasn't stopped speculation linking a raft of defensive recruits with the Red Devils.
After such a busy summer, it remains to be seen whether or not Louis van Gaal's side will be as active this winter but rumours certainly suggest another spending spree lies ahead.
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Raphael Varane
The most expensive defensive target said to be on Varane's wish list at present is none other than Real Madrid up-and-comer Raphael Varane.
The Red Devils face new competition in their hunt to hand the Frenchman a route out of the Bernabeu, however, after the Daily Star's Alex Harris revealed Arsenal have joined the race for his signature.
Despite his promise, Varane has been utilised behind Pepe and Sergio Ramos in Los Merengues' pecking order this season, and Harris provided recent quotes from the centre-back which appear to hint at his frustration:
"It's different with the national team. I get more minutes and have more responsibility in the team. The aim is to reach the same level of involvement in the club."
With the likes of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo to compete with at Old Trafford, the French international's chances of course would be brighter at United.
Even playing as a secondary option, though, Varane has done enough to earn a nomination for the 2014 FIFPro World XI, per ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson:
At present, it's uncertain how much the 21-year-old would cost, with fees of between £19 million and £30 million linked to his price-tag.
Victor Valdes
Still without a club, it's been suggested that Victor Valdes' chances of signing for Manchester United on a free transfer could be over following his return to Barcelona.
That's according to Catalunya Radio (h/t Inside Spanish Football), which reported the veteran goalkeeper—who was training with the Red Devils—is back in Catalan country to continue his recovery from a serious knee injury.
However, Spanish journalist Sergi Dominguez and Barca Stuff, citing Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, suggest otherwise. According to the pair, Valdes is only back in Barcelona temporarily and could well still sign for Van Gaal:
"Sources close to Valdes deny the report that he won't continue training at Man United. He just returned to Barcelona for the weekend. [md]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) November 28, 2014"
Recent injury to David de Gea caused concern at Old Trafford, but the Spaniard has pulled through for his club and remains a key component in the side's line-up this season.
Anders Lindegaard has been a peripheral figure during De Gea's reign, and a changing of the guard could see ex-Barca star Valdes come in as a No. 2 able to apply more pressure on United's current incumbent.
Layvin Kurzawa
Monaco left-back Layvin Kurzawa is sparing no secrecy in stating his desire to join Manchester United in future after speaking of his admiration for the club.
The defender would be joining a well-stocked part of Van Gaal's squad were he to sign at Old Trafford, but that hasn't stopped Kurzawa speaking of his dream, per Anthony Chapman of the Express: "The club of my dreams? Manchester United. One of my goals is to play for them one day."
According to Chapman, the 22-year-old was being linked with Chelsea and Manchester City in the past, but United will undoubtedly be pleased to hear they have an apparent edge should they wish to make a move.
Luke Shaw was signed over the summer and this season has already seen Rojo and Tyler Blackett play on the left side of defence, with Daley Blind also able to fill in there if needed.
However, Van Gaal may decide one more specialist asset is needed in order to cope with the strain of injuries, which continue to plague the club, and Kurzawa would seemingly be up for his chance.
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