Manchester United Transfer News: World Stars Named in Latest Red Devils Rumours

Manchester United are keen to bolster their squad this summer, and according to the latest rumours, they could be targeting Sergio Ramos and Harry Kane as potential acquisitions.

According to Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw), Ramos' contract negotiations with Real Madrid have hit a stumbling block, which could pave the way for a move to Old Trafford.

Ramos is reportedly demanding a significant pay increase, which Los Blancos are reluctant to meet.

Ben Jefferson of the Express reports "the defender is unlikely to retire before playing for at least one other club, according to brother and agent Rene Ramos."

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

The experienced defender has enjoyed 10 seasons at the Bernabeu, and his international and Champions League experience is much-needed in United's unconvincing back line.

The Guardian's Sid Lowe has gone on record with his admiration for the defender in the past.

Ramos featured in midfield for Real on a handful of occasions last season, which Spanish football expert Guillem Balague noted on Twitter to be failed "experiment." It is in his traditional role in defence where he would be utilised by Louis van Gaal.

According to Squawka, Ramos won 56 per cent of his duels last season, including an incredibly impressive 86 aerial battles, and he also maintained a passing accuracy of 90 per cent.

As Ramos' seven goals in all competitions indicate, the centre-back possesses an attacking flair and is a significant threat from set pieces.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Ramos would command a key role in the Red Devils' back line, but his impulsive forward runs would need to be complemented by a rock-solid defensive partner reminiscent of Nemanja Vidic, which Van Gaal does not currently possess.

Further, the Spaniard would not come cheaply—either his transfer fee or his wages.

While Ramos is an excellent player and would undoubtedly improve the quality of the Red Devils' squad, his age, cost and style of play make him a luxury that is far from a priority for United as they seek to challenge for the league title next season.

Robin van Persie is no longer the deadly hitman he once was, and Radamel Falcao has returned to Monaco, so a new striker is certainly a priority for United.

According to Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star, Harry Kane could be the player United are after for a hefty £40 million fee.

Kane scored 31 goals in all competitions last season—more than Van Persie, Falcao and Wayne Rooney combined managed in the Premier League. As Opta Joe notes on Twitter, Kane is the first player hit more than 30 goals for Tottenham Hotspur in a single season since Gary Lineker in 1992.

Rob Griffith/Associated Press

Apart from blistering pace, the 21-year-old looks to have just about all the attributes necessary to have a long and fruitful career in English football, but until the striker proves he is more than just a one-season wonder, there will be a fair amount of risk involved in his signing—particularly at fees around £40 million.

There's also the risk that the youngster could suffer from burnout. Kane made 53 club and international appearances last season, and as Sky Sports notes, he will travel of 30,000 miles this summer on Spurs' post and pre-season tours and as part the European Under-21 Championship with England.

While the striker was magnificent last season and fully deserved his PFA Young Player of the Year award, United's £40 million would be better spent on a more established force.

Though he may cost even more by then, the Red Devils would be wise to wait another year or two to pursue Kane if his form continues.