Manchester United Transfer News: Louis van Gaal Says Top Targets Want to Join

Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal has hinted he will continue to spend in the next transfer window, saying his targets want to join the Red Devils, but their clubs are "stopping them."

Marc Williams of the Daily Star quoted the Dutchman speaking about his plans for the January transfer window, with the market due to reopen after Christmas:

"

I have already said, in the transfer period, I could not buy every player I want and that’s also because of the market.

I have said that we need creative, speedy players in attack.

You have seen which players I have bought; I like that profile, but we need more.

I think that all the players I want do want to come.

It is not a question of the players, it is a question of the clubs who are stopping them.

"

Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press

According to Italian website CalcioMercato.com (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star,) LvG could move for Lazio starlet Felipe Anderson, with the 22-year-old once again shining in Serie A, scoring four goals in a week. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Harris) claimed the Eagles turned down a £28 million offer from Van Gaal for the talented Brazilian, with Anderson said to be "disappointed" in his club's stance.

The clever attacker had a breakout season last term, scoring 10 goals in 23 Serie A starts, per WhoScored.com.

Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press

United have lacked quality in wide areas, with new signing Memphis Depay flattering to deceive, and Anderson would bring a touch of magic to an attack that looks functional at best. 

Wayne Rooney has also not been his best this season, with the England and club captain starting to look his age after passing his 30th birthday. 

BBC Sport highlighted United's lack of potency in the recent derby draw against Manchester City, but Van Gaal remained defiant about his selection:

The Telegraph's Paul Hayward questioned the manager's stance on Rooney and asked why the player continues to be picked as the team craves pace and precision: 

United have started the campaign in good form, but there is a dynamic missing in their attack, which Van Gaal must address in January. 

Memphis may need time to settle down at Old Trafford—as many big signings do when they arrive at the Theatre of Dreams—but LvG cannot rely on Rooney to provide the threat when he is clearly a fading force. 

Martial is the future of United's attack, and he will need support from a host of creative players to unlock his deadly speed and match the hunger he displays in front of goal. 

At the moment, the Frenchman is being wasted wide on the left; he deserves to be the club's primary striker, but United must add players of Anderson's quality in order to progress as a team.