Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Paul Pogba, Nathaniel Clyne and More

It’s difficult to assess Manchester United’s squad. While the Red Devils boast some of the best footballers currently plying their trade, there still seems to be an endless amount of holes that need filling.

United spent wildly in the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, but the lacklustre performances from the David Moyes era haven’t yet been shaken off.

That much will trouble manager Louis van Gaal, who may well spend big once again in January to get his side into shape. Here are the last rumoured targets of the Dutchman.

Paul Pogba

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Pretty much ever since Paul Pogba departed Old Trafford and headed to Juventus, rumours of his return to the Premier League with United have been circulating—especially as he’s gone on to prove himself one of the world’s best midfielders.

The Frenchman was deemed surplus to former boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s requirements back in 2012, but it’s safe to say he’d be a useful asset now, and Van Gaal is reportedly ready to put a big-money offer on the table—per Simon Mullock of the Daily Mirror.

Mullock writes that United are preparing a £75 million bid to lure Pogba back to Manchester, but is he really worth such a staggering fee?

Here’s the short answer: yes.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Pogba is one of the most exciting and adaptable players in world football, with the ability to get forward and score goals as well as accept defensive responsibilities.

It’s finding the net that’s proving to be the 21-year-old’s forte, though, with eight goals in all competitions so far this season proving just how lethal a finisher he’s become—via WhoScored.com.

That’s something that Manchester United could certainly do with, too, as Squawka Football’s statistics show:

But more than that, the Red Devils need his creative spark. The 0-0 FA Cup draw against Cambridge United demonstrated just how difficult Van Gaal’s men find it to break down a stubborn defence—something that Pogba can do with ease.

Sure, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney weren’t in action at the Abbey Stadium, but it’s a problem that’s been apparent for months.

Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press

It’s just that luring Pogba back to Old Trafford that will prove tricky. His agent, Mino Raiola, told Sky Sports that he won’t be leaving Serie A in January but did accept the possibility of a summer transfer, insisting that the Frenchman doesn’t hold a grudge against United for letting him go:

"

Paul renewed his contract in Italy. There is a five-year deal with Juventus and what June and July brings, we will see in June and July. He will stay here this window in Italy and after that it’s also up to Juventus and up to himself to see what are the possibilities and what are the things to do. Paul has always said he is not angry with Manchester United—you need to move on. So there is no personal grudge against Manchester United. On the contrary, he holds Manchester United very dear and has very nice memories.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

That much opens up the possibility of a summer swoop, and based on Pogba’s class, it should be something of a priority for Van Gaal.

From then, who knows what astronomical heights the Frenchman can hit? Just the prospect of further improvement is enough to astound journalist Sergi Dominguez:

Yes, £75 million is a hell of a lot of money, but when you get a hell of a player for it, it doesn’t seem too bad. Let’s hope for United’s sake they get to find that out.

Nathaniel Clyne

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

As previously mentioned, it’s easy to pick holes in United’s setup—especially at the back.

Different combinations, different systems—nothing seems to work, with the right-back position particularly concerning.

Brazilian star Rafael has proved himself unreliable, while Antonio Valencia’s covering performances haven’t exactly been encouraging. However, the same can’t be said for Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne, who United are reportedly looking to make one of their own in January.

Jon Super/Associated Press

As Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star reports, the Red Devils have placed Clyne on top of their transfer window wish list and even sent a scout to watch the 23-year-old in action against Newcastle recently.

The Southampton man will likely cost United upwards of £20 million, but his potential would warrant such a fee. Former Manchester City star Rodney Marsh reflected Clyne's status as a wanted man, saying that he’d love to see him playing for United’s rivals:

The Saints rarely turn down big-money bids, so if Van Gaal wants Clyne, he needs to go and get him.

Either way, something needs to be done at the back for United, as discussed by Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Sam Tighe in this transfer roundup video:

The duo discuss Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, another star rumoured to be wanted by United.

However, as Vaishali Bhardwaj reported for Metro, the player’s agent has told the Red Devils that his client is not for sale.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

That much will come as a blow, but United fans will be encouraged by their side's attempts to upgrade their shaky back line.

While the Red Devils are far from brilliant right now, they’re just a few additions away from eliminating several of their big problems.

It’s just a matter of signing the right players.