Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Superstar Names Eyed by Louis Van Gaal

Despite Chelsea’s recent relinquishment of their stranglehold atop of Premier League table, it looks as though the title will be out of reach for Manchester United this season. But as Louis van Gaal looks to cement the Red Devils’ spot in the Champions League places, the January window could well be a crucial time for the Old Trafford outfit.

The United boss has dismissed any notion that his team could be set to indulge in a splurge comparable to their huge summer spending, though, per Goal.com:

"

I think it is disgusting, always writing about numbers. I don't think that Ed Woodward said anything about it, I don't think I have.

I think it's disrespectful to my players. I don't talk about it. I believe in the players. That is my answer.

"

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Nonetheless, a player Van Gaal is reportedly especially keen to get on board in the midseason window is Kevin Strootman—who, according to Simon Mullock of The Mirror, could be available for a cut-price premium in January (should Roma be knocked out of the Champions League).

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The Dutch midfielder—who has a well-known affinity with Van Gaal—recently made his first start for the Giallorossi since his cruciate ligament injury. And, as noted here by Italian football expert James Horncastle, the 24-year-old is a unanimously popular figure at the Stadio Olimpico:

Here’s a look at the kind of robust characteristics Strootman would bring to United’s midfield:

According to Mullock’s piece, while Van Gaal is not prepared to wait until the summer to land Strootman, United don’t want to pay any more than £30 million for the Dutch midfielder. If he did arrive, the Roma man’s energy, defensive awareness and ability to surge forward with the ball would add plenty to the United midfield.

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But perhaps Van Gaal should be patient when it comes to his pursuit of Strootman. After all, given his previous reliance on dynamism and intensity, he may not return as quite the same force following such an extended layoff. Monitoring his progress from afar for the rest of this season would surely be the sensible option.

Indeed, an even more sensible ploy in the January window would be to bolster their defensive options, given the current shortage of bodies United have in that area. And, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Alex Richards of The Mirror), that could see the Red Devils bring former skipper Patrice Evra back to the club.

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The Frenchman joined Juventus in the summer after eight years with United, but (according to Gazzetta) he’s failed to settle in Turin, and Van Gaal could tempt him back Old Trafford in order to bolster his left-back options. It’d be an understandable move, especially when you consider the Red Devils have had to use Ashley Young in that spot in recent weeks.

But according to Bleacher Report’s Duncan Castles, a deal looks unlikely:

United also look to have been dealt a blow in their attempts to bolster their other full-back slot, with Marc Williams of the Daily Star claiming that Nathaniel Clyne is in talks with Southampton about extending his stay.

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According to the piece, United are keen on the dynamic 23-year-old, but Ronald Koeman claimed ahead of the two teams’ upcoming meeting in the Premier League that he’s not worried about the speculation surrounding his No. 2:

"

If I have to be worried about those kind of rumours, then I will be worried every day and I don’t like that.

I like my life and I like to be positive. It’s no issue.

"

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It’s easy to see why the Saints full-back may be attracting the attentions of some of the most illustrious clubs on the continent. Not only is he a perpetual threat in advanced areas of the pitch, but he’s also showcased a steely defensive side to his game that is often scarce when it comes to modern day full-backs.

According to football writer Graham Ruthven, both Clyne and the aforementioned Strootman would be ideal signings for the Red Devils:

Like at left-back, United don’t really have much in terms of depth in the right-back position—in past matches, Van Gaal has been utilising Antonio Valencia in that role. So if Clyne were to make the switch to Old Trafford, he would not be short of opportunities to make an impression in the first team.

But at this juncture, with Southampton flying high and Clyne performing well, it’s difficult to see a situation in which Clyne would make the switch to Old Trafford (or to see the Saints sanctioning a sale after what was a turbulent summer of transfer activity).