Possible transfer activity at Old Trafford this January.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks set to continue making major changes to his squad at Old Trafford this January as three big names could leave and three replacements come in.
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The Dutchman has already overseen plenty of squad personnel changes since taking over at United this summer, offloading many under-performing players whilst spending big on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Radamel Falcao.
Still, there could be more changes to come in the next transfer window, with recent reports linking several key players with exits after failing to impress van Gaal, while more big names could make their way to Old Trafford in this continued overhaul of the first-team squad.
Based on recent transfer speculation, it could be that these will be the three changes going out and three players coming in this January:
Out – Juan Mata
Only signed from Chelsea last January in a £37m deal, it is already thought that Juan Mata could be on his way out of Manchester United as Atletico Madrid come calling for the talented Spanish international, who has not quite found his feet at Old Trafford and now faces increased competition for places in the side.
In – Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
A long-time target for the club, AS Roma star Kevin Strootman seems to be on United’s agenda again this January as van Gaal plots more major additions in central midfield. The intelligent Dutchman certainly looks like he could be a quality addition to the Red Devils’ options in that part of the pitch.
Out – Ander Herrera
Whilst targeting Strootman, it looks as though United could also be ready to offload another recent signing of theirs, with £30m man Ander Herrera failing to impress van Gaal since his move from Athletic Bilbao this summer.
In – Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim)
Reports suggest this may already be a done deal, with United moving to strengthen their attacking midfield options even further with the £20m purchase of talented young Hoffenheim playmaker Roberto Firmino, who has been in superb form in the last year or so.
Out – Marouane Fellaini
Napoli continue to be linked with a move for expensive United flop Marouane Fellaini, who has enjoyed a slight rise in his performances recently, but still ultimately looks disappointing since his £27.5m move from Everton last summer.
In – Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Manchester United are in the running to sign outstanding young Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte this January, despite the Frenchman also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Defence is clearly a priority for Louis van Gaal after a poor start to the season and some suspect displays in that area, and Laporte looks to be one of the club’s top targets to come in for that role.