Manchester United Transfer News: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane Rumours

Manchester United are targeting a "top-10" Ballon d'Or contender to restore their attacking flair, with Barcelona's Neymar and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo among those on their wishlist. 

According to the Mirror's Simon Mullock, a "high-level source" within the club said: "A club like Manchester United must have a player who will be in the top 10 on the list to win the Ballon d’Or."

The news follows manager Louis van Gaal's admission the club aren't capable of winning the Champions League without further recruitment.

Per Mullock, he said: "I don’t think that we are able to win the Champions League now. Maybe next year, when we strengthen our selection again, but now we have come as far as possible."

Jon Super/Associated Press

Indeed, United are currently a far cry from being able to match Europe's elite. Though strong and organised at the back, the Red Devils are largely toothless in the final third and have failed to find the net in seven games this season.

The likes of Neymar and former United favourite Ronaldo—both finalists for the 2015 Ballon d'Or—would undoubtedly change that.

The former has racked up a stunning 16 goals and nine assists in all competitions this term.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez believes the 23-year-old stepped out from Lionel Messi's shadow while the Argentinian was injured earlier this season, while football journalist Rafael Hernandez hailed his role in helping Barca to an historic treble in the last campaign:

Having added the ability to consistently make incisive contributions each week to his incredible flair and skill, Neymar looks firmly on course to one day take Messi's crown as the best player in the world.

The Old Trafford faithful would equally welcome Ronaldo back to Manchester, and the superstar has been as prolific as ever netting 17 goals and assisting three this season.

Given his youth, Neymar would appear the better option as there are some signs Ronaldo is finally starting to decline.

The 30-year-old has put in a number of anonymous showings this term and failed to net in 10 of his 19 games in this campaign.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Sky Sports' Guillem Balague believes Ronaldo is no longer "at his physical peak"—a consequence of not managing his body properly, essentially by working too hard and not allowing enough time for rest. Nevertheless, the lift he could bring to the team is significant, so United's interest is understandable.

Though he's currently some way off the level of Ronaldo or Neymar, the Red Devils are also reportedly considering a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane.

That's according to an exclusive by the Daily Star's Paul Hetherington, who noted the England striker is seen as "more-obtainable" and "their dossier on him includes detailed computer analysis of his all-round game and character."

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

After a slow start to his campaign the 22-year-old has hit form and netted 10 times this season, following his explosive arrival on the scene last year with 31.

He bagged a brace in the 4-1 thrashing of West Ham United in November, and after Premier League legend Alan Shearer joked the youngster could be targeting his phenomenal record of 260 goals in the competition:

Though he won't be allowed to leave White Hart Lane cheaply—Hetherington noted £50 million might not be enough—he would likely still be available for much less than the other superstars United are targeting.

While United fans might prefer a bigger name, Kane could still have a significant long-term impact on the team and restore the clinical edge they so desperately need.