Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal could be in for a busy summer in the transfer market
Manchester United are currently immersed in the battle for a top four finish in the Premier League and a place in next season’s Champions League.
Boss Louis van Gaal’s first aim was to get United back into the top four of the Premier League this season and at the moment he is on course to reach that objective.
Rebuilding
This season has been a case of rebuilding the team and attempting to find a winning mentality again after a difficult campaign last season.
The United squad and team is by no means perfect and already they are being linked with a number of summer targets.
Here are some of those players being linked with a summer move to Old Trafford:
Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
The world’s most expensive player has come in for some heavy criticism for his performances this season in the Spanish capital. However, despite the criticism he is still regarded as a world-class talent and United have been heavily linked with a summer move for the Welshman.
Bale would not come cheap though, as Los Blancos would want to recoup his entire transfer fee, if they did decide to sell. The noises coming out of the Spanish capital are that Real do not want to sell and that Bale is determined to prove his worth at the Bernabeu.
If the Welshman did become available though, no doubt Manchester United would be one of the clubs vying for his services.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
The Brazilian centre-back Miranda has been a key player in the heart of the Atleti defence for the last few seasons and has formed a solid partnership with fellow South American Diego Godin.
The Brazilian international has a release clause of €30million in his Atletico Madrid contract and the reigning Spanish champions are not keen on selling the defender. That means the Red Devils may have to pay the full release clause in his contract.
At 30-years-old Miranda would offer very little sell-on value, but according to Spanish newspaper AS United are still keen on snapping up the centre-back this summer.
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)
According to the Daily Mirror, United are close to agreeing a deal to sign the marauding Brazilian full-back. The 31-year-old is set to leave Catalan giants Barcelona this summer on a free transfer after seven years at the Nou Camp.
United are reportedly not the only club interested in signing the former-Sevilla star though, as French Giants PSG are also believed to be interested in signing the full-back this summer.
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
The Southampton and England full-back has reportedly put contract talks on hold, because of interest from elsewhere, which is believed to be from United.
The 23-year-old has been hugely impressive in the past two seasons for Saints in the Premier League and been part of the top-flights best defence this season. Clyne has been impressive both in defending and going forward.
Southampton lost a number of key players last summer, but they seem determined to build on this year’s campaign by keeping their current stars and any players that leave are likely to prove expensive.
Mats Hummel (Dortmund)
United boss Louis van Gaal must be looking at strengthening in defence, despite his team’s improvement at the back in recent months they still do not look solid enough to challenge the best.
One player who has consistently been linked with the Red Devils is Dortmund captain Mats Hummels. The Germany international has recently admitted that he is considering his future with the German giants after a difficult campaign.
Hummels has also revealed that a move abroad would interest him. United failed in a bid to land Hummels last summer, but could have more luck signing the 26-year-old this summer. Hummels is rated in the £35million bracket.
Champions League
United are currently fourth in the Premier League table and odds of 1/ 4 to finish in the top four this season. The Red Devils are currently five points clear of fifth-place Liverpool and are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League spots.
United’s transfer plans look unlikely to hinge on Champions League qualification, but I am sure the extra revenue will boost United’s transfer coffers this summer.
Who will be United’s biggest summer signing?
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