Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Breaking Down United's Top Transfer Targets

Manchester United currently sits two points behind rival Manchester City as the Premier League season nears its halfway point. As it does, the winter transfer window will open, giving the Red Devils a chance to make a big splash.

United is currently battling a lack of depth in the midfield, which will probably end up being the team's sole focus when the window first opens. If they are able to nab a couple valuable additions, maybe then they will look to add depth in other areas.

Here are five options to consider until the rumor mill really starts heating up next week once the holidays come to an end.

Nicolas Gaitan

Manchester United got an up close and personal look at Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan during the team's Champions League flameout and apparently liked what they saw. The Red Devils have contacted Benfica in hopes of working out a deal, according to Massimo Marioni of the Metro.

The Argentine international has scored 11 goals and added 14 assists in 62 games for the Aguias. He would bring some much-needed creativity to the midfield while also sporting enough potential to be worth a long-term investment.

There would be a brief transition period because of the obvious difference in level of play between the Premiership and the Portuguese Liga. Once he got up to pace, he should have no problem becoming a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's lineup.

Christian Eriksen

Another attacking midfielder the Red Devils are considering is Eriksen of Ajax. Mirror Football reports that Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has been keeping a close eye on the 19-year-old Danish phenom.

He's found the net four times in 12 Eredivisie games and has also had a major effect on Denmark's recent international appearances. Being linked to a marquee club at such a young age shows just how highly he's thought of around the football world.

It would be interesting to see how his playmaking style would fit into United's lineup. There would obviously be a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but he's been able to handle everything thrown his way so far. A move to Old Trafford would be his biggest test to date.

Jack Rodwell

Jack Rodwell has been linked to Chelsea quite a bit over the last few weeks, but don't forget that Manchester United has shown interest in the Everton midfielder in the past. There was even a report from Anthony Ashworth of the Metro that the team wouldn't step up to £15 million at summer's end.

Maybe interest from the contending Blues will reignite Ferguson's desire to bring him to Old Trafford. He's scored two goals in 10 Premiership matches for the Toffees during the current campaign as his development in the final third continues.

His real value comes on the defensive end, where he's quickly become one of the most respected young talents in the EPL. As Everton keeps trending in the wrong direction, United might be able to step in and still get a bargain out of it.

Cheick Tiote

Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote is quickly becoming the most talked about name on the transfer market. The defensive-minded Ivory Coast international as been linked to several teams, with Manchester United now joining the mix, according to the Daily Mail.

The Magpies have stood firm behind Tiote, denying they might be looking to move the coveted target, but the transfer window always tends to loosen grips. If that turns out to be the case here, the Red Devils would be smart to jump in.

He'll be playing in the African Cup of Nations, which will pull him away from the team for awhile. Other than that minor roadblock, he would fit perfectly in the middle of Manchester United's lineup, especially against high-powered attacks.

Wesley Sneijder

It wouldn't be a Manchester United transfer window without being linked to Internazionale star Wesley Sneijder. Jonathan Birchall of Goal.com took a look at some potential Red Devils targets, and Sneijder is listed as you would expect.

After seemingly endless discussions about a move during the summer, Sneijder might finally be ready for a new home. He's only scored once in seven league matches for Inter this season as the team currently sits in a disappointing fifth place.

The 27-year-old Dutchman could be more readily available due to his struggles. That brings him back into play for Ferguson, who continues to look for cost-effective options to fill holes while building from within as well. Sneijder will be one of January's most popular names.