Manchester United Transfer News: Major Names Targeted by Louis Van Gaal
Manchester United’s season has been a little rocky so far, to say the least, and despite manager Louis van Gaal failing to splash the cash in January, the summer will undoubtedly see the Dutchman add to his talented pool of players.
That’s exactly what United need, though, as despite housing some of the best talents in world football in their squad, there are still plenty of holes to be filled—none more so than at the back.
That’s where we start our rumours round-up, as one of the most talented centre-backs in world football has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
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Marquinhos
Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has been a target of the Red Devils for some time, and although Van Gaal saw a deadline-day bid turned down for the Brazilian—per The Sun—he’s set to go back in for his signature in the summer.
As Anthony Jepson of the Manchester Evening News writes, Manchester United will make the 20-year-old their No. 1 target when the transfer window opens again and are preparing to make a “significant bid.”
The partnership of David Luiz and Thiago Silva has prevented Marquinhos from holding down a regular place in the heart of PSG’s defence—instead forced to step in at right-back—but whenever he’s been given a chance, he’s proved his worth.
The lure of regular football with Manchester United and the chance to play in the English top flight will no doubt appeal to the talented youngster, as he recently sung its praises, per Jepson: "The Premier League is viewed all around the world. There is even some children in Brazil who grow up supporting English teams. There have been some discussions with English clubs, but right now I’m with PSG."
Manchester United need a leader at the back, a player to guide the young guns and solidify the line. And while Marquinhos still has plenty to learn, he's proved that he can cut it against the best in the business and grow into the example-setter that that Red Devils need.
He has fantastic ability both in the air and on the floor, something United haven’t had at their disposal since Nemanja Vidic departed.
Sure, Marcos Rojo is finding his feet and doing his price tag justice, but the 24-year-old is rather flying the flag alone and needs someone like Marquinhos to step in and keep things tight.
Van Gaal also needs as much, and it appears that he’s willing to use Adnan Januzaj as bait to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford, per James Robson of Manchester Evening News.
The Belgian hasn’t quite hit the dizzy heights that made him an instant star last season, and it seems that if he cannot recapture his early form, then he could be on the way out.
Januzaj is worth enough alone, and should that happen, it could prove to be another Paul Pogba haunting for the Red Devils.
That’s another topic for another day, though.
It just proves how much Marquinhos is valued, with his ability to switch out to full-back also likely to prove handy for United.
However, another certain Brazilian may have something to say about that.
Dani Alves
Barcelona star Dani Alves’ future has been up in the air for some time now, and with his Nou Camp contract expiring in the summer, his signature will come as a freebie for whichever suitor proves most worthy.
The battle is on for teams around Europe to secure his services on a pre-contract deal, but United are rumoured to be the front-runners.
According to journalist Kristian Sturt, the 31-year-old has deemed Old Trafford his destination of choice, with only the terms of his contract separating him from a move:
Plus, The Sun reports that Alves’ only demand is a three-year deal before he dons the famous red shirt. The chance is there for Van Gaal.
However, just how essential is the Brazilian to the Manchester United boss’ plans?
Right-back has been one of the club’s troubling positions this term, with Rafael struggling for fitness and Antonio Valencia hardly decorating himself in praise.
Alves could undoubtedly add something extra as cover, but whether he’ll be willing to be a side act remains to be seen.
If Van Gaal wants Alves, he simply needs to go and get him.
When the debate of who’s the best goalkeeper in the Premier League does the rounds, two names constantly pop up: David de Gea and Hugo Lloris.
Manchester United’s De Gea has been arguably the club’s best player so far this season, while Lloris proves himself week in, week out in goal for Tottenham Hotspur.
Naturally, such brilliance has brought about some transfer speculation. The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for some time now, and if he does leave, then United will target Lloris as his replacement, according to the Daily Mirror.
While United will do all in their power to keep hold on De Gea, the Spurs’ stopper wouldn’t exactly be a bad replacement should De Gea head to the Spanish capital.
However, luring Lloris to Old Trafford could prove harder than it sounds, as Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino claims his goalkeeper is happy and won’t be going anywhere, per Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard: "He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is happy here, very happy. It would be difficult for another club to get him, because of the fact he is happy here. Maybe in the future his mind is on playing in the Champions League with Tottenham."
Plus, the Frenchman recently signed a new five-year contract, which means that nothing short of an astronomical bid will be enough to take him from White Hart Lane.
The priority, of course, is keeping De Gea at Old Trafford, but knowing that a replacement is out there will be encouraging to fans.
However, if United do sell their stopper and fail to land Lloris, then it could well be panic stations for Van Gaal.
Victor Valdes hasn't been signed to be a starter for the Red Devils; he's a back-up for the main man. Who that main man will be come the first game of next season remains to be seen.
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