Scouting for Moyes: Forget Gundogan and sign one of these super midfielders

As Manchester United currently lie in 9th place on the Premier League table, David Moyes may need to lower his expectations in January, as Gundogan is unlikely going to want to take the step down. Let’s see some cheaper and realistic options available in the market.

Sandro

It is unlikely Tottenham will let him go, even after the big money signings of midfielders Etienne Capoue and Paulinho, Sandro continues to be Spurs most important man in the middle. He can be deployed in defensive and attacking roles, making him one of the Premier League’s most versatile players, and can also pitch in with a few goals every season, his latest being a 25 yard thunderbolt against David Moyes’ men. It is unlikely he will want to leave, and even if he did, it probably wouldn’t be to United. As well as commanding a large transfer fee, it would be more likely to see him join the likes of Chelsea or Manchester City.

Sergi Roberto

The young Barcelona star is rumoured to be considering his options after finding chances hard to come by at Camp Nou, while United could also be interested in making a move for him. A move to Old Trafford looks unlikely, but football is unpredictable and could happen. Often touted as theheir to Xavi, his intelligent movements and wonderful passing ability have seen him rise to prominence with Spain’s U21 squad and also be recognised as one of Europe’s brightest young midfield talents. Any potential move could be scuppered by interest from better clubs or a large transfer fee, and even at that, Martino could give him more of a chance and he may stay at Barcelona for many years to come.

John Obi Mikel

Again, it seems unlikely, but if Chelsea are still as interested in Wayne Rooney as they were, David Moyes could use it to his advantage and try to pick up a member of Chelsea’s extensive midfield collection without having to spend any money. Mikel is the most like for like replacement to Gundogan, as he protects the defence and keeps the midfield ticking. Though an uncertainty is whether United would want to enter negotiations with the man that famously joined Chelsea after being unveiled at a press conference in United colours.

Didier Zokora

Now 32, former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora would be the perfect fit for Manchester United. Fast, strong and good passing ability made him a success in the Premier League before and earned him a move to La Liga with Sevilla, before joining current club Trabzonspor. He would be relatively cheap, he has experience in England, and is the type of midfielder that thrives in the physical English game, somthing United are currently lacking in their midfield department. Though it is understood David Moyes is looking at reducing the average age of his rather old squad, and that may scupper any potential move for the Ivory Coast international.

Youssuf Mulumbu

A reported target for Arsenal, Youssuf Mulumbu has impressed at West Brom since joining from Paris Saint Germain 4 years ago. Claiming that he is now ready to make the step up to a top 4 club, he may be put off by the fact that it is possible that the Old Trafford based side will miss out on European football next season. Able to drive his team forward and protect the defence, Mulumbu is the type of midfielder every Premier League team wants. The only thing that could put Moyes off signing the Congo international is his similarity to his flop signing Marouane Fellaini.