Manchester United Transfers: 5 Names Linked to Red Devils in Gossip Columns

Is Sir Alex Ferguson shopping for players?

Based on his team's form, you'd have to think he is.

Despite a nervy 1-0 win at Aston Villa over the weekend, Ferguson's Manchester United still sit five points behind Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Red Devils crashed out of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last week. And qualification for the knockout phases of the Champions League has not been confirmed.

So will Fergie open United's coffers for some January spending? He just might.

Here are five players who have been linked recently to Manchester United.

Lucas Ocampos, River Plate

BBC's Friday gossip column included an item about United's interest in 17-year-old South-American prodigy Lucas Ocampos.

The BBC quote Metro's article which says United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all chasing the £14 million-rated midfielder.

River Plate have already turned down Inter's offer of £15 million, but several clubs—including United—are expected to lodge new bids in January.

Gregory van der Wiel, Ajax

BBC's Friday gossip column also included an item on Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel.

According to Footie Online, van der Wiel is a target of both Manchester United and Chelsea. The defender, however, is reportedly ready to turn down both and move to Valencia.

Reports in Spain say Valencia have reached a deal in principle with van der Wiel but have not finalized the details.

Christian Fuchs, Schalke 04

The Mail Online came out with this report last week that said United are tracking Schalke 04 defender Christian Fuchs.

Ferguson reportedly sent scouts to watch Fuchs, an Austrian international, in Schalke's recent game against Borussia Dortmund.

Fuchs joined Schalke recently, signing for £4 million from Bochum in the summer.

Juventus and Parma have also been linked with Fuchs.

Rasmus Elm, AZ Alkmaar

Manchester United's interest in AZ Alkmaar's Rasmus Elm is nothing new. What's new is the Swede's return interest in Manchester United.

Last week, Mirror Football quoted Elm as saying he wouldn't rule out a move to United.

"I don't close the door to any league," he said. "But the most important thing is to develop here and do as well as I can in Holland."

Elm, 23, is a wide midfielder who has won 21 caps for Sweden.

Sami Khedira, Real Madrid

GiveMeFootball.com passed along a rumour last week linking Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira to Manchester United.

The German international joined Real Madrid from Stuttgart in 2010, but also has been linked with a move to Chelsea.

Khedira, 24, has scored once in 24 full international caps with Germany.