Manchester United Transfer News: Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos Eyed in £150m Raid

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is targeting Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jasper Cillessen as the new spine of his team.

According to David McDonnell of the Mirror, the Dutchman will have £150 million to spend on "at least four players" during the summer. Van Gaal is hunting "proven, ready-made world-class talent rather investing in future potential."

McDonnell's report states Ramos is the manager's "top defensive target." Manu Sainz of AS (h/t Will Giles of Metro) suggests the Spanish centre-back has started English lessons ahead of moving to the Premier League.

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"Ramos has already taken the decision to leave," according to Giles, who noted he is "unsatisfied" by Los Blancos' latest contract offer and that nobody from the club combated speculation he was offered to Barcelona. Giles suggests United will make a £21.4 million plus David De Gea offer to land Ramos, following AS' headline:

United defender Phil Jones could depart the club if Ramos arrives, having failed to impress Van Gaal during the 2014-15 campaign, according to McDonnell. However, the MailOnline's Chris Wheeler reported the Englishman is in line to land a new contract.

Wheeler noted United will ask for the availability of Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and others when thrashing out a deal that will see De Gea leave for the Bernabeu.

AS (h/t Joe Short of the Express) reported Arsenal are also interested in Benzema, a striker whose hold-up ability and physical presence could dominate the Premier League. B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed whether United or Arsenal are more likely to land his signature:

Schweinsteiger is a man who knows Van Gaal well after the manager altered his style from a technical winger to combative midfielder while at Bayern Munich. The Germany captain is a natural leader and someone who could dictate United's centre if Michael Carrick succumbs to injury.

Duncan Castles of One World Sports indicated Ajax are "prepared to sell" Cillessen, but United fans may be hoping an experienced Premier League star arrives instead.

Van Gaal may be accused to sticking to what he knows if the Dutch goalkeeper—who represented the Netherlands under LvG's tutelage—arrives at Old Trafford. With Daley Blind, Memphis Depay and potentially Schweinsteiger at the club, the manager would be surrounding himself with players he has trusted before.

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United did well to land a top-four spot last season but a handful of experienced winners are needed to make any further strides forward. Benzema, Ramos and Schweinsteiger would represent a tremendous transfer window. In reality, it seems the German midfielder is the most likely to head to England.

While Champions League qualification is a must, Van Gaal should be looking to compete for at least second in the Premier League next season.

The title currently seems beyond United's grasp, particularly as Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal will bolster their squads during the summer.

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Second-year progress is key to Van Gaal having United in a position to challenge by the third and final year of his contract, so his plans must begin to take shape now.