Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern have lodged an intriguing discussion this afternoon, as they debate which quality signings their side can make in January.
The fans are high on optimism after sensational reports from The Sun claimed today that United want to snatch Eden Hazard from Premier League rivals Chelsea for a fee of £65m.
Whilst they accept that a deal for the defending Player of the Year is unlikely, they do believe that they have the lure and the financial benefits to land the Belgian international if he does become available. In their eyes, convincing Chelsea to sell to them is the difficult part.
It does bode well for United though as they have been linked with some staggering names so far this window and our punters reckon that if they can land Hazard, then these five could easily swiftly follow- although they will cost an arm and a leg!
Our landlord believes that a few of these additions could definitely come in and, if not in January, then the end of the season could see United flood their squad with exciting and expensive additions from across Europe.
Which of these signings do United need most? Let us know in the comments below!
Hit Hazard below to see FIVE players who could follow him to Man United this month!
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Felipe Anderson
A signing that seems to have been in the works for a long-time, with many frustrated as to how long it’s actually taking, is Lazio’s Felipe Anderson. With the Italian side prepared to sell and naming their price at £36m, Manchester United now just need to match that figure.
With United desperately seeking additions to add a new dimension to their struggling attacking line, the arrival of 22-year-old Brazilian Anderson would be ideal. On top of this, his young age means he fits Louis Van Gaal’s criteria of young players that would create a legacy at Old Trafford beyond his planned retirement.
Of all the deals United are linked to, this one seems the most likely to happen and United fans will be keeping their eyes glued to the back pages to follow the developments as the saga progresses.
Ilkay Gundogan
With Juventus confirming that they are not looking at the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, the door has been left open for Manchester United to make a swoop for their long-term target. The German international would bolster a shaky United midfield, whilst adding another star name to their ranks.
The potential competition with arch-rivals Liverpool could be problematic though, as the Reds have been linked to bringing Gundogan to the Premier League ever since their German boss took over- with it considered Gundogan would be keen to reunite with Jurgen Klopp.
If you don’t try you don’t get though and with Liverpool prioritising defensive moves amid their current injury crisis, United could steal a march here.
Romelu Lukaku
United have a proud history of boasting the best strikers in the Premier League but it’s clear that this season that hasn’t been the case. Instead, the stand-out big name has been at Everton- with Romelu Lukaku netting 19 goals in all competitions so far, including 15 in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have been linked with a £40m swoop for the former Chelsea striker and the Belgian international could be on the move, though a deal is more likely to take place come the end of the season. The telling point though could well be whether United land Champions League football or not.
With a top-four finish, United can offer the 22-year-old a chance at the highest level of football that may be extremely difficult for Lukaku to turn down.
Odion Ighalo
Another Premier League striking option for United to consider is the top-scorer in England through the 2015 calendar year, Watford star Odion Ighalo. Having impressed with the Hornets since their successful promotion campaign last season, the forward looks set to take a step-up to the next level soon.
Ingalo was recently quoted by the tabloids as being interested by a move to Old Trafford but Watford themselves are standing firm, insistent that neither Ighalo or his strike partner Troy Deeney will leave in January. At the end of the season though, that situation may have changed.
Sadio Mane
Whilst Southampton boss Ronald Koeman stated earlier this week that Sadio Mane would be going nowhere, despite being dropped for arriving two hours late to a team meeting last week, Mane continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United.
The Red Devil’s interest first surfaced in the summer but they couldn’t succeed with a move for the Saints star then. With Southampton unimpressive in the Premier League this season and United desperate to improve their attacking options, a deal could be ironed out.
It’s clear Southampton will not let Mane leave on the cheap though and United will have to flex their financial muscles if they are to land a deal. However, money is no problem for the Red Devils.
