EPL Transfer Rumors: 6 Players Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Look to Sign
Just two days after Manchester United's loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final, the rumors have been swirling all around Sir Alex Ferguson and his plan for the Red Devils in the transfer window.
Since the Premier League and the Champions League are over, Ferguson now has a chance to really sit down and see what is on the table for his football club.
With a quickly aging club, Ferguson will be looking for an overhaul even though he was one game shy of a Champions League victory. With the midfield losing Gary Neville, the defense losing goalie Edwin van der Sar to retirement, the releasing of Owen Hargreaves' contract, and the cloudy future of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand, a youth movement will be taking place at Old Trafford in the summer.
While no name can really be discounted in these transfer rumors, being that they are rumors, we will take a look at who the Red Devils truly have a chance to snag away from the rest of Europe.
Midfielder Luka Modric: Tottenham Hotspur
1 of 6
With the Champions League final highlighting the lack of creativity in Manchester United's midfield, Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for a fresh face and some unique play.
Luka Modric can be the guy in the midfield for Manchester United to play through-balls to the likes of Chicharito and Rooney. His unique field vision is what has European suitors, including Manchester United, attracted to the 25-year-old.
With Modric comes a €30 million price tag, but with all the departures along with Dimitar Berbatov also likely to depart, the Red Devils have close to €65 million to play around with. If they are able to sign him, they are still able to go after other big-name stars.
The toughest task will be snagging Modric away from Tottenham; according to ESPN Soccernet, he has stated his willingness to stay.
"I think we can challenge for the Premier League and the cups. Like I said, you never know what is going to happen. You can say you are staying and then you leave. But I am happy here and I am not thinking about leaving," Modric said.
Based on that statement, things may not seem so bright for Man U, but never say never. You can bet that Ferguson will be making a strong charge this summer.
Midfielder Ashely Young: Aston Villa
2 of 6
Another big name who is surely on the move somewhere outside of Aston Villa is midfielder Ashley Young. Manchester United attempted to sign the 25-year-old midfielder during the January transfer window, but nothing materialized in time.
Young has been the name for teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and his childhood club of Liverpool. Young remains an interesting player as he has snubbed teams before, case and point Chelsea a few years ago.
Man U seems to be the front-runner, but the trouble for Young may be if he is going to be a regular at Old Trafford. At Aston Villa, he is one of the top men, but how will he fare in Sir Alex Ferguson's lineup on a weekly basis with Ryan Giggs still playing?
The answer is Ferguson was embarrassed by the Champions League final, and whether Manchester United fans like it or not, this is probably his last season and youth is a necessity moving forward if they would like to compete with the likes of a Barcelona.
Goalkeeper David De Gea: Atletico Madrid
3 of 6
It is tough to go much younger than 20-year-old David de Gea of Atletico Madrid. With the retirement of Edwin van der Sar, Old Trafford will need a new name between the pipes for years to come, and that is why this deal is all but sewn up.
According to Greg Stobart of goal.com, the deal should be concluded by the end of the week and this young star will in no time become a superstar.
Since breaking onto the scene in 2009, Eric Steele, Manchester United's goalkeeper coach, had been keeping an eye on him ever since. This could not have come at a better time for the Red Devils, with one storied keeper leaving, another is to write his own at Old Trafford.
An exciting talent at €17.5 million, the Old Trafford should have nothing but joy and excitement in their hearts. I do not like to say this is a done deal, but this as close to final as they come.
Midfielder Wesley Sneijder: Inter Milan
4 of 6
This may seem like a reach because, well, it is. Sneijder is one of the most talented and creative midfielders in all of football, which is why Ferguson has been in talks with trying to persuade the 26-year-old to leave Italy and come to England.
The Dutch international has landed quite a bit of attention, but when asked by espnstar.com whether he would be wearing black and blue next season, the answer quieted rumors, at least for a moment.
"Next season? I'll be here," Sneijder said, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.
It is a long shot, but Ferguson will still do what he can to steal him away from Inter Milan, whose coaching situation may be in flux after a disappointing 2010-2011 campaign.
Midfielder Charlie Adam: Blackpool
5 of 6
The Scottish international has been linked to Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham. He has been viewed as a worthy playmaker in the middle of the field, and with the uncertainty of Scholes, could be a suitable replacement.
Many critics and fans have said that he may not be ready to fill such a roll, but Ferguson obviously has other plans. Two months ago, after Manchester United played Blackpool, Ferguson stated, “(Charlie Adam) corner-kicks alone are worth £10 million.”
Ferguson obviously has a lot of admiration for this young man, but how much admiration will be a telling tale in terms of how aggressive Ferguson attempts to go after the Scot. Ferguson has been planning a summer swoop for the recently relegated player, and a contract may be imminent.
Midfielder Jack Rodwell: Everton
6 of 6
Jack Rodwell has been an interesting story the last couple months with Manchester United. In March, their were reports that Sir Alex Ferguson had convinced the Glazer family to pay Everton €25 million for a summer transfer of the 20-year-old English sensation.
The last few weeks of the season told differently in Rodwell's statements.
"Obviously it's flattering, but like I said I just put it to the back of my mind and I am playing for Everton Football Club and I will always give 100 percent for them. I am an Everton footballer and I enjoy playing for Everton so I am happy to do that."
With the signing of Rodwell, it would be a high price tag for the Red Devils, which might cause them to miss out on another profiled midfielder. The Red Devils will have to choose who they go after carefully because with price tags of €25 million, it makes movement hard for other roster moves.
Expect Sir Alex Ferguson to make three top flight summer moves, but do not be surprised if they are combination of the ones just highlighted.
Who do you want Manchester United to go after?
Follow me on twitter: @vincesapienza
