Manchester United Transfer News: Karim Benzema and Lucas Silva Deals Eyed

Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United modus operandi is beginning to take shape after some encouraging performances from the Red Devils, but you suspect the team’s recent flourish won’t stop the Dutchman refining his squad during the January transfer window.

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

After acquiring the services of midfield maestro Ander Herrera and the wonderfully effervescent Angel di Maria from Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid, respectively, last summer, reports suggest United will be going back to Spain’s top flight as they look to spruce up their first XI with a marquee January signing.

In addition to latest target Karim Benzema, the Old Trafford outfit have also been linked with a rapidly improving midfielder from the Brazilian top flight, as Van Gaal reportedly looks to add both style and steel to the middle of the park.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Perhaps the most exciting of the two names linked is Benzema. According to Anthony Chapman of the Express, the Frenchman could be on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid keen on Thomas Muller. And while the forward has long been linked with potential moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, Chapman claims he’s now Van Gaal’s priority signing.

Here’s a look at the kind of things the Old Trafford faithful could expect from Benzema should he join up:

Naturally when it comes to Real Madrid, much of the focus is hogged by the stellar goalscoring exploits of former United man Cristiano Ronaldo. But Benzema has shone this season, and while his influence remains somewhat understated—and in the eyes of many, under-appreciated—he’s a player who has a vital role to play for Los Blancos.

It’s something that’s not been lost on manager Carlo Ancelotti, who hailed the 26-year-old’s influence in what has been a magnificent start to the campaign for Real, per the club’s official website:

"

Benzema is enjoying a good run of form, I don't know if it is the best of his career, but it is his best form since I have been here. 

I really like how he works for the team, he is a really important player for us.

"

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

With that in mind, it’s difficult to see why the Italian would sanction the sale of Benzema. His selfless running, refined link-up play and in-game intelligence make the Frenchman an ideal foil for the supreme dynamism of Ronaldo. You suspect the Portuguese wouldn’t be too pleased if the former Lyon man was to be shipped out, either.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Benzema is a player who clearly knows where the back of the net is too, per OptaJean:

If Real did decide to cash in, even though Van Gaal has a plethora of forward options available to him, Benzema would be an astute addition for the Red Devils. Here’s how the Frenchman has fared this season compared to United’s current forward options:

	Benzema	Rooney	Van Persie
Appearances (Sub)	11	10	12
Goals	8	5	4
Assists	5	2	1
Key Passes per Game	1.5	1.5	1.3
Pass Success	81.3%	84.9%	86%
Dribbles per Game	0.8	1.6	0.8
Dispossessed per Game	1.5	1.5	1.7

Nonetheless, while Benzema would be an unashamedly indulgent capture, there are areas of this team—a little further back from the forward positions—that United supporters will feel are in need of addressing much more pertinently. Rumours linking the Reds with a move for Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva will sate those of a more sensible persuasion.

Pedro Vilela/Getty Images

According to Bruce Archer of the Daily Star, the Red Devils will battle with Madrid and Arsenal for the £12 million-rated 21-year-old. Silva’s agent has already confirmed that United representatives have been in touch, according to Metro’s Jamie Sanderson. “I confirm I was contacted by people linked to Manchester United” said Luiz Rocha. “There are no official bids. We are waiting.”

While he has drawn comparison to compatriot and former Real midfielder Kaka in some recent reports, stylistically, Silva is a player who sits deep in midfield and looks to dictate the tempo of a game; not too dissimilar to United's summer acquisition Daley Blind. Here’s a closer look at the talent that has made Silva such a coveted figure:

While Blind has done a fine job in that “regista” role during the early days of his United tenure, his injury layoff leaves United without a player who can do that job in the long-term. Herrera, Di Maria and Marouane Fellaini are players that flourish in more advanced roles, while 33-year-old Michael Carrick’s contract is due to expire this summer.

With that in mind, Silva would be a fine addition for the Red Devils and someone who could potentially blossom under the tutelage of Van Gaal. With the young Brazilian on the cusp of breaking into Dunga’s Selecao squad, £12 million is a sum United should be happy to part with in order to get this prodigious talent on board.