Manchester United Transfer News: Gerard Pique, Nicolas Otamendi and Top Rumours

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has "set his sights" on signing Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique, according to David Wright of the Express.

United are "expected to table" an offer of £15 million for the Spain defender, who exited Old Trafford to join the Catalan club in 2008, per the aforementioned report.

Pique's playing time has been limited to 17 starts across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, with the likes of Jeremy Mathieu, Marc Bartra and Javier Mascherano often taking his spot in the centre. The 27-year-old has suffered lapses of concentration in recent times—highlighted by his clumsy handball that conceded a penalty during the most recent Clasico—but could become an instant first-team regular at United.

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Van Gaal is also said to have lodged a huge offer for Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, per Sky Sports' Guillem Balague:

Otamendi has impressed for the Mestalla side this season. His sharp instincts allow him to anticipate danger before it arrives, while he's also a capable ball-player and powerful enough to deal with the Premier League's physicality.

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The Argentinian made a stunning last-gasp sliding tackle to halt Lionel Messi earlier in the season, a manoeuvre that highlighted his tenacity and ability to knock opponents off course with smart positioning. He has scored against both Atletico and Real Madrid this campaign and is rapidly adding to his value with significant displays.

United fans are likely pining for additional centre-back quality right now. Van Gaal's team struggled playing three at the back once again against Queens Park Rangers, who were eventually unlocked when the Dutchman switched to a four-man defence.

A combination of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair continues to serve up problems. Although Blackett and McNair can be forgiven for their inconsistencies—both youngsters have shown they have plenty to offer—the more experienced trio should be candidates for the chop.

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Pique hasn't enjoyed the greatest run of form for some time, but he's still a far more prosperous option for United. Otamendi has the potential to be a long-term solution to the problem and is someone Van Gaal should snap up before a rival European side does.

B/R UK's Alex Dimond recently looked at other players United could purchase during the current transfer window:

Another former United youngster, a certain Paul Pogba, recently moved to play down rumours linking him with a return to the club. He spoke to FourFourTwo, saying, "I love the club," reported by Sky Sports. Despite Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, suggesting he could move soon, the player is determined to repay Juventus' faith.

Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard reported Pogba's comments:

"

Juve are the club who put their trust in me and I must give 100 per cent for this shirt. I hope to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s a dream that’s far off right now. Raiola said I’m worth €80 million (£61 million)? I’m worth zero. I need to do more to become a champion like Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo.

"

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Van Gaal recently suggested he won't be spending big in January, per Alex Shaw of ESPN FC:

The team's struggles against QPR could change this assertion. United desperately need to pre-empt failure by signing a world-class defensive player in the next two weeks. Van Gaal will certainly face huge scrutiny if he doesn't bring anyone in and United fail to make the Champions League.

It's the Otamendi link that appears the most concrete right now, although we can expect the situation to progress quickly. United have the cash and need to spend, so many supporters will be urging Van Gaal to sign the cheque.