Manchester United Transfer News: Top Targets, Rumours Linked to Red Devils

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak as a replacement for want-away David De Gea—yep, another link to a new stopper.

As per Spanish newspaper Marca, via the Daily Telegraph, the Red Devils had a £25 million bid rejected for Oblak—one of the highest-rated young 'keepers in the game.

The 22-year-old is set to be Atletico’s No. 1 for the 2015/16 campaign; and while they’ll be reluctant to sell, United’s persistence could well pay off.

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Oblak switched to the Spanish capital on a six-year deal just last summer for around £12 million, so a sale of close to the £30 million mark would represent a big profit for the club.

Plus, the Slovenian has the potential to be every bit as good as De Gea, with his shot-stopping ability and awareness remarkable for someone his age.

However, can he really fill the boots of De Gea in the 2015/16 season?

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Let’s face it, the Red Devils would have been nothing without the Spaniard last term, as he seemingly performed miracles at times to keep them in matches.

And with that in mind, former defender Rio Ferdinand told the Sun that United have no chance of taking back the Premier League title without De Gea in their ranks—via Izzy Horsefield of the Daily Express:

"

If Manchester United lose David De Gea they can forget about a title challenge. A club like United cannot allow a keeper of De Gea’s stature to leave because the transfer fee they receive from Real Madrid will not make up for missing out on major trophies. Should David choose to walk out the door next summer, when his contract expires, then so be it. But United don’t need the cash and they can afford to be strong.

"

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De Gea’s Old Trafford contract expires next summer, so the club could well be keen to offload the 'keeper for a fee rather than letting him walk in a year’s time.

That much explains the link with Oblak, but it appears Atletico aren’t about to let another one of their prize assets go.

Should De Gea leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid, the Red Devils will need to do some shopping around to secure a long-term successor.

Lucas Biglia

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Elsewhere, Manchester United have been given a huge boost in their bid to land Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia after the player refused to rule out a move away from Serie A.

Biglia has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, but Lazio making him their 2015/16 skipper appeared to throw United off the scent.

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However, the 29-year-old told reporters that having the armband doesn’t necessarily mean he isn’t leaving the club—via Mark Doyle of Goal.com:

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Will I definitely stay now that I have the armband? I don't know. The truth is that it doesn't depend on me. For now, though, I'm thinking only of the game tomorrow. But the captaincy represents a reward for me and I'm proud of it.

"

United are said to have submitted a £17.5 million bid for the midfielder in July, and Biglia’s uncertainty could well lead to another offer being tabled.

However, the Red Devils’ new recruits should mean that the club look away from Biglia.

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Defensive midfield was a barren area for United last season, but with Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Daley Blind all capable of playing the anchor role, manager Louis van Gaal is seemingly spoiled for choice.

Instead, United need to focus on the areas that need improving—such as in the heart of defence.

Failing that, though, Van Gaal still has a very talented squad at his disposal this year; and even if De Gea heads to Madrid, success could well be regularly on the menu at Old Trafford once again.