Manchester United Transfer News: Robert Lewandowski Wanted, Sergio Ramos Rumours

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has placed Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski "at the top of his wanted list," according to Mark Ogden of the Telegraph. However, he understands a deal will be "difficult" due to his recent acquisition of Bastian Schweinsteiger from the German club, per Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail.

The Red Devils headed on their pre-season tour of the United States with Wayne Rooney and youngster James Wilson as their only recognised strikers. Lewandowski would be a smart fit—he is clinical, a quality hold-up player and built for the Premier League—but Ladyman suggests a deal is difficult due to United already capturing one of Bayern's biggest names.

Lewandowski posted a message of support to his old team-mate on Twitter, per Sky Sports:

The Polish striker has often been linked with a move to England—narrowly missing the chance to join Blackburn Rovers before he became a world superstar in 2008—and could work well with United's newly packed midfield options. B/R UK's James McNicholas outlined Lewandowski as a perfect fit for United in February:

Ogden noted Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani could be an alternative option, but the deal may rest on Angel Di Maria's whereabouts.

Goal.com's Kris Voakes reports Bayern and PSG are interested in signing the Argentinian. The Daily Star's Colin Harvey also threw Thomas Muller and Harry Kane's names into the hat of players Van Gaal believes can score regular goals at Old Trafford.

Robin van Persie's impending departure means United are seriously lacking in firepower. Rooney is the kind of finisher who goes through spells of form during a season, and Wilson isn't ready to massively contribute. He's a natural finisher inside the box and has plenty of energy, but Van Gaal needs world-class, proven options if United are to compete across four fronts.

This mantra should be applied to the entire squad. Marca (h/t James Whaling of the Mirror) reports Real Madrid have offered Sergio Ramos the captaincy at the Bernabeu after the departure of Iker Casillas, a gesture which could end speculation of the Spanish defender joining United.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

United are eyeing Ramos and goalkeeper Keylor Navas in a swap deal for David De Gea, according to Marca's Miguel Serrano. Madrid's officials are "shaking their heads, beginning to face the distinct possibility that De Gea may not be coming."

This could affect a potential deal for Ramos. Madrid president Florentino Perez has indicated Ramos "is a player who cannot leave," per Marca (translated by BBC Sport). Football writer Rafael Hernandez translated the story:

The headline in question can be seen below:

United have shown they aren't willing to mess around after making four signings already. It's pivotal that Van Gaal lands at least one prolific goalscorer between now and the start of the season. Although new capture Memphis Depay can be expected to contribute, he'll need time to adjust. Di Maria, if he stays, should be a key star next season.

The Madrid captaincy may be too hard for Ramos to turn down, as he wouldn't usurp Rooney for the position in Manchester. However, United have cash, ambition and the need to quickly improve, three ingredients which means business is likely to continue ramping up.