Manchester United Transfer News: World-Class Stars Lined Up by Louis van Gaal

There are some things money simply can’t buy, but success in the Premier League isn’t one of them.

Manchester United were a club in turmoil at the back end of last season, but hundreds of millions of pounds later, the Red Devils suddenly have the look of title contenders.

Louis van Gaal’s men have won five matches on the spin as things have suddenly clicked into place, but there are some key areas that still need to be improved.

Here are the players who are reportedly on the Dutch manger’s January shopping list.

Jan Vertonghen

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has been one of the club’s standout performers since he made the switch from Ajax in 2012, but his future at the club has come under the microscope of late, with Manchester United one of his apparent suitors.

As Steve Bates of the Sunday People revealed, via the Mirror, the Red Devils, together with Arsenal and Liverpool, are keeping tabs on the Belgian, with bids being planned for January.

Vertonghen has found chances few and far between since Mauricio Pochettino took the reins at White Hart Lane in the summer, but he has plenty to offer at the highest level.

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Blessed with pace, power and versatility, the 27-year-old is very similar to Marcos Rojo—who still has a bit of settling in to do at Old Trafford—although he is a little more responsible defensively.

Saying that, former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood doesn’t agree with that hypothesis, as he hit out at Vertonghen earlier this month—via Hotspur Related:

However, the fact he’s a favourite among the Tottenham fans speaks volumes, and it’s safe to say that they’d love to keep hold of Vertonghen for the foreseeable future—something that could prove a little tricky.

Although contracted until 2018, his current terms may not be enough to keep him in north London, and he appeared reluctant to open discussions to improve his deal and cement his place at White Hart Lane, per Sami Mokbel of MailOnline:

"We are not talking about a new contract. The club has to take the first step. We are now in a busy period, with a lot of games. Talks are often held in periods where there are less games."

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By the time a quiet period comes around, though, it could be too late, particularly with Manchester United needing reinforcements in defence.

Injuries have prevented Van Gaal from fielding a consistent back four so far this season, but in Vertonghen, they’d have an ever-present star who could fill in anywhere in defensive.

Bates writes that Spurs would demand upward of £17 million for the Belgian, so it’s just a case of whether Van Gaal believes that to be a justifiable fee.

Likelihood Factor: 3/10

Vertonghen may well leave White Hart Lane before his career is up but switching to Old Trafford in January is unlikely. If Spurs can’t meet his contract needs when talks eventually get underway, the chance may come for United to swoop.

Benedikt Howedes

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From a versatile, left-footed defender to a versatile, right-footed defender now, with German World Cup winner Benedikt Howedes making his way into the Manchester United rumour mill.

Howedes performed superbly with Germany in Brazil, making a seamless switch from centre-back to the left side of defence and putting together some expert displays.

That much didn’t go unnoticed, either, with Manchester United among a whole host of clubs reportedly chasing his signature.

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Though the 26-year-old stayed put at Schalke in the summer, January could see him leave the Bundesliga, as he recently dropped a hint that he’s open to a move elsewhere—per Bild, via Paul Handler of Manchester Evening News:

"

An adventure abroad? It’s a temptation. But I do not know when the time is right for such an experience. At Schalke I’m fine, but maybe at some point I might feel tempted for something new. This is not to say that I will go in January or next summer.

"

Howedes was quick to play down the idea of moving away from his homeland next month, it’s clear that he will be tempted if a bid is submitted.

Felice Calabro'/Associated Press

Neil Moxley of the Mirror revealed that the German will cost £15 million, making him something of a bargain, too.

However, it seems that Van Gaal has no ambition to strengthen his defence, as he said that he has “more than enough” defenders at his disposal, per the London Evening Standard.

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When opportunities to bring in world-class players present themselves, though, the Dutchman isn’t one to back down—take Angel Di Maria for example.

As an experienced rock with the ability to control the rest of the line, Howedes would also give Van Gaal what he’s missing defensively. That makes the £15 million price tag all the more appealing.

Likelihood Factor: 5/10

Howedes would indeed be a good signing, but it’s unlikely that United will be able to offer him regular football. With that in mind, he may decide to join one of his other rumoured suitors.