Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Arjen Robben and Jamie Vardy Rumours

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attacking options and appear to have identified two candidates to improve their squad—Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben and Leicester City's Jamie Vardy.

According to the Mirror's Simon Mullock, United are "monitoring" Robben's growing rift with Bayern team-mate Robert Lewandowski with the view to pursuing a deal for him in January.

As Mullock notes, the pair reportedly do not get on well as the Dutchman's single-minded approach to goal leaves Lewandowski frustrated, particularly as the Pole seeks to take advantage of his incredible run of form.

Robben was injured while the striker grabbed the headlines for his magnificent goalscoring exploits, but now that he has returned to fitness, the winger is back and seemingly looking out for number one.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Bayern boss Pep Guardiola conceded there is little he can do. According to Bild (via Alex Richards of the Irish Mirror), he said: "That’s Arjen Robben. I am a good coach, but not good enough to change the mentality of a 31-year-old Robben."

The Dutchman has racked up an incredible 113 goals and 70 assists in 207 games with the Bundesliga giants, and he is known for his incredibly effective move of cutting in from the right wing and finishing on his left foot.

As his assist record shows, Robben is more than capable of creating for his team-mates despite his selfish reputation.

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

United boss Louis van Gaal—who managed Robben at Bayern and then with the Dutch national team—has expressed his desire to improve his attacking options. Per Goal's Joe Wright, he said:

"

We have to score more goals, I agree with that, but only one more than the opponent.

That's what I am thinking. And, of course, we still need players with more creativity and pace on the wings.

That I have said five months ago, three months ago and now I am saying it again, but we need that, so we are still in a process.

"

Robben certainly fulfils those criteria, and his injection into a team struggling to create chances or take them would have a significant impact on the their play in the final third.

Further, his ability to take matters into his own hands and change games with wonderful solo efforts is something United have lacked in recent times due to Wayne Rooney's poor form.

However, with silverware virtually guaranteed at the Allianz Arena this season, Robben isn't likely to jump ship in January.

Another player who could add pace and creativity is Vardy, who has been in stunning form this season. According to an exclusive from Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, United have scouted the Foxes forward in his last two outings.

Tony Marshall/Getty Images

In a run stretching back to last season, Vardy has bagged 16 goals and five assists in his last 22 Premier League appearances and is now one goal short of equalling Ruud van Nistelrooy's league record of scoring in 10 consecutive matches.

Sky Sports News HQ reveals how the 28-year-old compares very favourably with the out-of-form Rooney:

The England international has unsurprisingly received plenty of plaudits for his efforts, such as from pundit and former Stoke City player Danny Higginbotham:

Football writer Liam Canning believes Vardy would be a useful player for the Red Devils:

"

I'm not saying Vardy is the typical UTD signing, but when someone's in the form he is, and providing he can keep it up, you can't ignore it.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) November 7, 2015"

Indeed, the striker's blistering pace and tenacious work rate make him incredibly difficult to defend against, and while he may not be a marquee name like Robben, he could equally provide a valuable injection of inspiration to their attacking play.

Leicester are currently third in the Premier League, and if they can continue their strong form and maintain a top-half place come January, Vardy may prefer to remain at the King Power Stadium for at least the remainder of the season.

What is painfully clear is that United need to bring in at least one more attacker, or it looks set to be another largely uninspiring season for their front line.