Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Ryan Bertrand, Alexandre Pato Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly targeting Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand as a short-term replacement for the injured Luke Shaw, per Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web (h/t the Telegraph).

With Shaw a long-term absentee due to injury, the Red Devils have been forced to use a variety of players in his stead, including the likes of Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and even youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

None have been able to offer the width that Shaw can or the willingness to venture forward down the left flank.

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

As a temporary replacement for Shaw, Bertrand would make a solid signing, thanks to his similar capabilities and Premier League experience.

The 26-year-old showed his defensive solidity last season, making 34 Premier League appearances for the Saints as they kept the second-best defensive record in the league with 33 goals conceded.

Bertrand is comfortable going forward and already has three assists to his name in all competitions this season. He also has experience of big games, having made his Champions League debut in the final for Chelsea against Bayern Munich in 2012, per OptaJean:

However, Southampton aren't going to let Bertrand—a regular starter—depart in January, even on loan. Manager Ronald Koeman has been adamant about the Saints not selling any of their players midseason. According to Metro.co.uk's George Bellshaw, he said: "Already we spoke about that situation and we sell nobody in January. Nobody, even when they pay £100 million."

With that being the case, United will need to look elsewhere.

The Red Devils also need more firepower, having struggled up front and seen six games end goalless this season.

Matilde Campodonico/Associated Press

According to Jason Burt of the Telegraph, Sao Paulo striker Alexandre Pato—described as a target for Manchester United by Metro's George Bellshaw—is hoping to return to European football and is specifically targeting a move to the Premier League. He said:

"

I would like to come to England because I think the championship is the No. 1 in the world. Now I’m ready for a new challenge. I want to write a new story in Europe, to make a new history.

I want to come to win the championship and play again in the Champions League. I have dreams again. I want to create this new story, a good new story.

I have spoken to Willian, [Roberto] Firmino, [Philippe] Coutinho and David Luiz before. I think Brazilians can play here. You can mix talent and intelligence and Brazilian players can play here.

"

The Brazilian rose to prominence at AC Milan in his youth and scored 63 goals for the Rossoneri by the age of 22. Still only 26, the striker has been rebuilding his career in his home country after seeing his form and fitness decline.

After scoring 15 goals and assisting nine in 2015, Pato is now being linked with a move back to Europe. Football writer and Brazilian football expert Jack Lang urges caution, though:

Indeed, while Pato has the potential to make a return to a European club and complete his comeback to form proper, he would represent a risky acquisition—particularly with Bellshaw noting he could cost £15 million.

With United faltering in the final third, a reliable goalscorer is needed to pull them out of the mire and give them an edge in a tight title race. For Pato to earn a chance at a club of United's stature, he still has some way to go.