Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern often have to discuss a wealth of rumours but they’ve started a debate as to who their side could realistically sign in January.
That means ruling-out audacious moves for the likes of Neymar, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thomas Muller, instead focusing on targets elsewhere that are more likely to be on the move in the New Year.
Louis Van Gaal has spent over £250m since taking charge at Old Trafford but he’s likely to take that further when the window reopens, with United eying an attacker to ease pressure on young Anthony Martial and potentially a defender; especially with Luke Shaw sidelined for a long-time.
The following five players make up the signings the United fans genuinely believe could be arrivals in January, all of whom they state can further their quest to secure the Premier League title.
Hit Louis Van Gaal below to see FIVE realistic signings Manchester United could sign in January.
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Sadio Mane
After seeing an alleged £20m move turned down in the summer, Sadio Mane has seen his stock rise after a fantastic start to the Premier League season. The 23-year-old remains an attacking target for United but Southampton have demanded around £40m for the Senegalese international.
United could match that price in January, or negotiate, and Mane may be keen on a move to Old Trafford as they can offer Champions League football and the chance of a successful long-term project in Manchester; as the club already boast the young talents of Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera and many more.
Harry Kane
Another potential striking arrival would likely be the biggest deal in January, if Manchester United manage to prize Harry Kane from the clutches of Tottenham Hotspur. The North London side are determined not to sell- but United have a habit pf persuading the best British talent to move to Old Trafford.
With a slow start to the new season, where Kane has thus far failed to build upon his tremendous campaign last term, the England international may start to think that a move will benefit his career. Playing alongside Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney may definitely help him find the goals again.
However, it’s more likely that this transfer would take place next summer after the European Championships; unless United break the bank in January.
Marquinhos
One top-class name potentially on the move in January is Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, who has been urged by many top-names in football to leave the French giants; as he struggles to secure first-team football ahead of compatriots David Luiz and Thiago Silva.
A Premier League switch may be the best move for the young Brazilian and United would have to fight-off interest from rivals Chelsea, who made a failed approach to sign the defender back in the summer and may revise their interest in the New Year.
Paulo Oliveira
A likely arrival to help United cope with the loss of Luke Shaw to injury is Sporting Lisbon defender Paulo Oliveira, who conceded to the press earlier this month that he likes the idea of a move to Old Trafford; which gives a boost to United.
The 23-year-old Portuguese defender would prove to be a valuable addition to Louis Van Gaal’s squad, particularly if he elects to let Marcos Rojo leave in the New Year after a wealth of behind the scenes clashes with the Argentine ace.
Ayoze Perez
A forward with Premier League experience that United wouldn’t have to break the bank for is Newcastle United’s Spanish forward Ayoze Perez, who has impressed since moving to England and is also an alleged target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle will be determined not to sell and keep their best players, as the fend off the threat of relegation, but owner Mike Ashley is renowned for selling anybody at the right price- which could play into the hands of Louis Van Gaal’s side.
