The ten players targeted as European heavyweights go head-to-head.
With recent news that Manchester United plan to use the Premier League’s recent TV money boost to compete with Real Madrid in the transfer market, CaughtOffside takes a look at the top 10 players likely to be at the centre of the battle this summer…
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Manchester United Can Now Match Real Madrid Transfer Spending
Real Madrid Threaten To Sign Top Manchester United Defensive Target
Manchester United rumours
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
It is a fairly open secret that Manchester United want Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo back at Old Trafford. The Portuguese superstar would surely cost an astronomical fee, but it is thought that Real could let him go for the right price, with the player himself previously hinting he’d like to play for United again.
2) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Another Real Madrid player whose future looks uncertain, Manchester United have been linked several times with a bid in the region of £90m for Gareth Bale. The former Tottenham Hotspur man would be another excellent signing for the Red Devils if they could get him, and there are suggestions he is unhappy in Spain.
3) David de Gea (Manchester United)
Moving in the other direction, David de Gea’s fine form for United this season as well as his uncertain contract situation have alerted Real as they eye a new big-name signing to replace Iker Casillas in goal. Can the new-found money at United’s disposal help them fight off interest in the Spanish shot-stopper?
4) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the best defenders in the world, Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels has long been targeted by United, though Real Madrid are now also being linked with a move for the German international, who could cost as much as £40m.
5) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Another world class star at Dortmund, Marco Reus recently signed a new contract with the Bundesliga strugglers, but remains a top target for both these clubs and many others ahead of a likely £50m move in the summer.
6) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Perhaps the most wanted young player in world football at the moment, Juventus starlet Paul Pogba has been superb in Serie A and is now valued at around £70m. Chelsea are also in the reckoning, but United and Real are believed to be the other frontrunners for the 21-year-old.
7) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
Unsettled at PSG, Edinson Cavani is being strongly linked as a replacement for Radamel Falcao at United. However, Real also want the Uruguayan as they consider offloading Karim Benzema.
8) Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
One of Europe’s top midfielders, AS Roma playmaker Kevin Strootman is another top class performer being linked with both clubs, though United are perhaps slight favourites to snap him up due to the Louis van Gaal factor.
9) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Another Real Madrid player who United could try to lure away, young defensive prospect Raphael Varane is on the club’s radar as they look to strengthen at the back.
10) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Depending on what happens with Varane, Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Bilbao is also expected to move this summer to one of these two sides. If Real let Varane go, Laporte could be his replacement, though both are top talents.