Manchester United are expected to spend big again this summer, but the Premier League giants are yet to really get started in the transfer market.
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The Red Devils looked as though they would be quick to secure the signatures of those on their summer wish list when Memphis Depay‘s arrival was confirmed before the opening of the window; however, Louis van Gaal is still to add to his senior squad.
The Express claim that the former Netherlands manager has a £150m transfer kitty at his disposal, but has so far been unable to negotiate a deal for his top targets, including Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos.
According to the British newspaper, these are the four players that van Gaal is desperate to sign before the start of next season…
4. Edinson Cavani – £40m
In 52 appearances last season, the Paris Saint-Germain striker netted 31 goals – an impressive tally considering Laurent Blanc often positions the forward on the left-wing.
The Red Devils significantly struggled for goals in the 2014-15 campaign – with top scorer Wayne Rooney finishing with a rather uninspiring 12 goals – and Cavani’s goalscoring form, whether in a central or wide position, makes the Uruguay international an exciting Old Trafford prospect.
However, the 28-year-old’s suggested price-tag of £40m [via talkSPORT] could certainly be argued as excessive for an attacker nearing the age landmark of 30.
3. Seamus Coleman – £15m
There’s no denying that the Red Devils are in need of stability at right-back.
Louis van Gaal has an exciting long-term prospect in 19-year-old Luke Shaw at left-back; however, on the opposite flank, the club are currently relying on midfielder Antonio Valencia to fill the position.
While Valencia has deputised well, United’s 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park highlighted his susceptibility in defence, with the Ecuadorian at fault for all three goals. His lacklustre performance compared to Coleman’s confident showing may have caught the eye of van Gaal.
With esteemed experience in the Premier League and excellent performances over the past few seasons for Everton, the 26-year-old has arguably earned himself a move away from Merseyside.
What’s more, Manchester United have a history of nurturing fine British talent, and van Gaal should continue to keep with the traditions of the club.
According to the Daily Mail, Coleman is valued at £15m.
2. Sergio Ramos – £42.5m
Manchester United look to be leading the chase for the unsettled Real Madrid defender’s signature, and with reports claiming that the 29-year-old has ordered the La Liga BBVA giants to negotiate only with the Red Devils [via Sky Sports], it seems a fee is all that may need agreeing upon.
Nonetheless, while van Gaal is eager to address his defensive concerns this summer, the Dutchman’s interest in Ramos may be more for promotional purposes than for the Spaniard’s ability.
The club’s presence on the European stage has taken a significant hit since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, and the signing of one of world football’s most illustrious centre-backs – as Angel Di Maria did so last summer – would be a huge message of intent to their rivals.
However, the fact of the matter remains that Ramos is a volatile defender, susceptible to making rash decisions. Last March, he broke the La Liga record of the most red cards received by any one player in being sent off for the 19th time in his career [via SB Nation]. In a top flight as demanding as England’s, this is a record that should worry the Old Trafford faithful.
The Spaniard carries a price-tag of £42.5m, the Daily Star report.
1. Morgan Schneiderlin – £25m
The Red Devils appear to be unrivalled in their pursuit of the Saints midfielder after reports claimed that Arsenal had opted not to make an offer.
Michael Carrick, 33, was absent through injury for large chunks of the previous campaign, and this, combined with Wayne Rooney’s 14 appearances in central midfield last season, highlights just how much the position needs addressing this summer.
Schneiderlin, valued at £25m [via The Independent] has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in England, as Southampton have proved one of the toughest opponents in the Premier League.
While Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger was rumoured to be a preferred option for van Gaal in the centre of the park, the German would be a risk signing – no matter how talented he is or how full his trophy cabinet is.
The France international, on the other hand, could be an excellent acquisition.
