Whilst all the normal people get excited that it’s just one month until Christmas, our weird lot in the Transfer Tavern are giddy that this means it’s just five weeks until the transfer window reopens.
Leading the excitement is Manchester United fans, who are confident that the right business in the New Year can lead them to the Premier League title ahead of their close-rivals Manchester City and age-old competitors Arsenal.
Whilst United can go top of the league this weekend with a victory over Leicester City, the fans are aware that their squad needs some additions- and they’re pleased by the links that suggest Marc Bartra could be on his way from Barcelona.
That’s not enough for these fans though, as they believe further additions are necessary and they’ve been pestering our bar staff for the latest gossip concerning their club. In order to shut them up, we conceded and gave them five potential arrivals in January to discuss.
Hit Bartra below to see FIVE players who could follow him to Manchester United in January!
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
Sadio Mane
Not a day goes by without someone wandering into the Transfer Tavern and mouthing off with a new development in the Sadio Mane hunt, which looks set to be the saga of the January transfer window.
Manchester United have held interested in Southampton’s Senegalese international since the summer and will revisit the situation in January, though the Saints are reluctant to complete any deal until the end of the current campaign.
United could change that perspective with a lucrative offer, which may be beneficial as Louis Van Gaal looks to add pacy wide players to his squad.
Saido Berahino
Manchester United have struggled up front this season, with too much pressure upon the shoulders of young Anthony Martial. Wayne Rooney’s misfires have proved to be central to these issues, which has led United to target a new forward in January.
West Brom striker Saido Berahino is one name on the cards, with the England U21 international likely to get the move he craves as he enters the final 18 months of his contract. Chelsea and Tottenham share interest in the player though, which is likely to drive-up his asking price.
Arjen Robben
Manchester United and Arjen Robben could be the match made in heaven, with United looking for a pacy winger and Robben potentially on the move. After a fall-out with Bayern’s star-man Robert Lewandowski, who called the Dutch international selfish, this could fall into place rather quickly.
For the right price Bayern would likely accept a move as Robben seems to be past his best, whilst Pep Guardiola can call upon impressive young duo Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa.
Daniele Rugani
Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal wants young players to create a legacy beyond his retirement in 2017 and Daniele Rugani fits the bill perfectly. Rated as one of the top defensive prospects in European football, he could be on the move in January.
Rugani isn’t happy with the lack of first-team opportunities given to him by Juventus and the Turin side are ready to approve an exit, on a temporary loan basis at least. Whether United can change that into a permanent deal remains to be seen.
Lewis Cook
Leeds United have proved to be a factory for young players in previous years, with many of them leaving to join Manchester United, and Lewis Cook could be the latest player to follow that route. However, Bournemouth and Stoke City are also keen.
Where Cook ends up may come down to who offers regular first-team football, which on paper seems like it would be Bournemouth. However, United’s attraction cannot be underestimated as they have a wealth of top names, finances to offer and regular European competition.
