Manchester United Transfer News: Major Rumours on Significant January Deals

Manchester United are ramping up their interest in Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne in advance of a January bid, while Turkish youngster Ozan Tufan is also drawing the club's attention.

According to ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney, the diminished chances of signing Roma's Kevin Strootman have led manager Louis van Gaal to concentrate more on strengthening his back line.

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He adds that while the Saints will attempt to wait until the summer before cutting a deal, the Red Devils are eager to sanction a winter switch in order to protect their dreams of a top-four return.

Everton's Seamus Coleman has also been discussed as a target for the Old Trafford outfit, but Daniel Harris of The Guardian believes Clyne to be a superior option:

United already signed one Southampton full-back in the past year with Luke Shaw's £30 million arrival last summer, but it seems the Saints' rise this term will see their squad targeted once again in 2015.

Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond has analysed the latest names being linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams:

This season has seen Rafael and Antonio Valencia jostle for the starting place on Van Gaal's right flank, with the manager alternating between wing-back duties and a more traditional back four.

At St. Mary's, Clyne has proven adept in both roles and sits as a valuable commodity in attack, which was on display in Southampton's recent 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

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Midfield remains an area in which Van Gaal will look to add talent this winter, however, with Tufan earning the praise of numerous European giants in recent months.

Jamie Anderson of the Express wrote that the 19-year-old Bursaspor anchorman is rated at £5 million, while Spanish newspaper AS confirmed Atletico Madrid as one of those teams taking notice:

Tufan's father has in no way looked to avoid the spotlight, either, quoted by Anderson as saying precisely which outfits have been to watch his son in action: 

"Atletico and also Valencia have been to see him play but they are not alone. Other big European teams have sent scouts to watch Ozan play—AC Milan, Juventus, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs, City and United."

It's clear the Red Devils will have to fight their way through a stampede of clubs if they're to emerge as victors in the race, with numerous clubs currently offering arguably more satisfying prospects.

However, a January move for the six-cap Turkish international could see Van Gaal's side beat their competitors to the punch; it's just a question of whether they deem the midfielder ready.

Bursaspor would assuredly not be eager to lose their talismanic prodigy midway through the season and can afford to wait, considering Tufan's deal at the club runs until 2018.

More than anything, United require quick impact and proven talent right now, but it's never been a habit of the club not to plan for the future, with Tufan allegedly tempting many of the continental titans.