Manchester United - Top ten realistic transfer targets this summer

The transfer window brings in a lot of excitement and speculation as clubs are linked with numerous players over the period of two months. With Manchester United being one of the biggest clubs on the planet, rumours linking big-name players to the club is a common occurrence.

New manager David Moyes has been given a huge budget to sign the best players in the world according to CEO Ed Woodward, and Moyes has identified the club’s long-term midfield problem as the first thing he would like to solve along with the Wayne Rooney saga and the sale of a few other players.

But after sensationally missing out on Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich and also Kevin Strootman to AS Roma, here is a list of the top ten transfer targets that the Red Devils could sign to improve their squad and retain the Premier League title.

10. Leighton Baines (LB – Everton)

One of the most consistent performers in the Premier League season last year, Baines has become one of Everton’s most coveted assets. A constant threat in attack by creating numerous chances with his crosses, he is equally adept in his defensive duties. His set-piece taking abilities are an added bonus. At 28, he is at his peak and would be an improvement on the ageing Patrice Evra.

It is speculated that a £12 million bid was rejected by Everton and they seem to be holding out for a fee in the region of £16-18 million.

9. Adil Rami (CB – Valencia)

United’s recent injury problems in central defence have been well-documented over the past few seasons. With Rio Ferdinand past his prime despite putting in stellar performances over the past 18 months, Vidic’s recurring knee problems, and Jones and Smalling not yet well-groomed for the CB role, United need an instant solution to prevent conceding truckloads of goals like they did last season if they want to retain the title.

Adil Rami has been putting in consistent performances in the La Liga and has also been a regular in the French National team. A bid of around £10 million would tempt Valencia to sell the 27-year-old Frenchman, who harbours hopes of being irreplaceable for the Les Blues in next year’s World Cup.

8. Geoffrey Kondogbia (CDM – Sevilla)

One of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football, Kondogbia has cemented his spot in the Sevilla midfield with some solid performances in La Liga. Often compared to a certain Patrick Vieira, his strength and impeccable tackling have seen him draw attention from the European giants. Kondogbia has the potential, and United can undo their blunder of letting Paul Pogba go by signing a similar replacement.

Sevilla are holding out for a fee in the region of £9 million. United never really replaced Roy Keane over the years, but this may their chance to do so.

7. Ezequeil Garay (CB – Benfica)

Despite playing some of his best football of his career last season, Garay failed to steer Benfica to any major trophy success, losing out in the final hurdle in almost every competition. United have been tracking him for the past few seasons, and with a few problems in their CB slots, a move for him seems sensible.

It has been reported that a gentleman’s agreement is in place between Garay and United, and a £17 million move is imminent. In the Argentinian international, Moyes would have a centre-half who is in his prime and can be a tough proposition for the opposition strikers in the coming season.

6. Yohan Cabaye (CM – Newcastle United)

After having an excellent 2011-12 season by helping the Magpies finish 5^th, last year was a stark disappointment for the Frenchman. Injured for most part of the league with his team also performing below par, Cabaye seems to want to leave Tyneside this summer.

Good at dictating play and also an astute set-piece taker, he has already spoken about his desire to play for the Red Devils; and United’s midfield issues mean that a move may be possible. AS Monaco have made inquiries for Cabaye, but a bid of £16-18 million could tip the balance in favour of United.

5. Bruma (Winger – Sporting CP)

Dubbed as the new Cristiano Ronaldo, this 18-year-old wonder kid is the latest talent to emerge from the Iberian region. Considering the pathetic form of Nani, Young and Valencia last season, a breath of fresh air is required on the wings.

With Nani’s future uncertain, Young being injured most of the time, and Valencia being too old school for the Premier League, the expectations would be sky high for Zaha to perform. A move could be made for Bruma considering the fact that United have an amicable relationship with Sporting, having bought Ronaldo and Nani in previous years.

A £12-15 million bid could do the trick considering the fact that the player himself wants a move and Sporting want a substantial offer. A dream return for Cristiano Ronaldo seems a bit far-fetched; but for now, the “new Ronaldo” would suffice.

4. Claudio Marchisio (CM – Juventus)

It seems foolish to bid for a player who has spent his whole career playing for the Bianconeri, is at the peak of his career, and has played his part in winning consecutive Scudetti.

But ironically, the stellar displays of Paul Pogba have forced Antonio Conte to move Marchisio from playing in the heart of midfield to a position that is a bit further up the field or on the right side of midfield. With Vidal, Pirlo and Pogba now being the midfield trio, Asamoah and Giovinco out wide and Llorente and Tevez upfront, suddenly there seems to be no place for the typical box-to-box midfielder that is Marchisio.

And that is exactly the type of player United need right now. It will be tough to lure him away, but with Juventus being interested in Nani, a bid of £20 million plus the player could be enough.

3. Ilkay Gundogan (CM – Borussia Dortmund)

Gundogan burst onto the world scene with stunning displays in the knockout stages of the Champions League that concluded with Dortmund reaching the finals. He is an all-action midfielder who can dribble, hack down on opponents, pass it long and short, and has an eye for goal. This is exactly the kind of player Manchester United need to play alongside Carrick this season, and Gundogan ticks all the boxes.

Having lost Gotze this summer, BVB won’t let go of him easily. Being young and having a lengthy contract with BVB means that United will need to make a bid of at least £30-35 million to get him.

2. Marouane Fellaini (CM – Everton)

He burst onto the scene last year with his physical displays just behind the striker, drawing the defenders towards him and creating spaces for other to get into. He can pass as well, can play as a CM, CDM or CAM, and is a threat in set-pieces. He has worked with Moyes before and has a release clause of about £23 million, which a club of United’s stature can easily trigger.

Roberto Martinez brought Joel Robles and Arouna Kone with him to Everton from Wigan. Can Moyes do the same and get the versatile midfielder to the Theatre of Dreams?

1. Luka Modric (CM – Real Madrid)

He was the creative force behind Tottenham’s push for a top-4 spot a few seasons ago before leaving for Mourinho’s Real Madrid last year. Being short in stature, Modric can easily drift into pockets of space, dribble past players, lose his marker and play a defence-splitting ball.

He hasn’t had a rosy time in Madrid, struggling to cement a starting berth and was also voted as the worst signing of the year in a fan poll. With Real already having signed young talented Spanish midfielders Isco and Illaramendi, and Ozil being a sure shot selection above Modric, Luka will find it hard to get game time at the Bernabeu.

Bought at £30 million last year, he hasn’t done anything of note to increase his price tag, and so a similar bid from United could tempt Real Madrid into selling him.