Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to get some signings in the summer to strengthen key areas to be ready for a title challenge. Following this season’s progress in the Premier League, Jose Mourinho will certainly be looking to build upon their projected second-placed finish and run Man City closer than they have done this year.

Our regulars believe that United are only two or three signings away from mounting a serious assault on the Premier League title next season, as they bid to win it for the first time without Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

Ed Woodward will surely have the list of players Jose Mourinho desires in the summer and, should be aiming to work on them before the World Cup gets into full flow. Mourinho is not shy about spending what he needs to complete the job in hand, however, United will surely be looking at balancing the books slightly and recouping some of the big money spent by ridding the squad of some deadwood.

For Mourinho to close the gap on rivals Man City next season, our landlord thinks that these THREE signings will make the difference next year and give the Red Devils a refreshed look…

Toby Alderweireld

The Spurs defender has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, following a break down in contract talks combined with how he is now struggling to get back in the Spurs team following his injury. United need a centre-back to partner Eric Bailly and one with the Premier League experience the Belgian boasts, could prove vital in their attempts to restore to former glories.

Alderweireld is a strong and no-nonsense type of player but can play the ball too, something which would certainly sit well with Mourinho. A partnership between him and Eric Bailly may be the foundation United have been looking for to build upon.

Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos has been linked with United for some years now and a move to Old Trafford nearly materialised under former boss David Moyes. With club captain Micheal Carrick retiring this season, United need a midfielder to take control of a game and dictate the link between defence and attack.

Furthermore, there is no-one better at this in Europe then Kroos right now, and this type of player may be the difference to making United tick.

Riyad Mahrez

The Leicester City man is in hot demand following a few seasons of top-class performances for the Foxes, especially in their title-winning year. Mahrez has handed in two transfer requests in the past two transfer windows, which shows his eagerness to move on to a bigger stage to enhance his career.

Old Trafford would be the perfect stage for Mahrez to shine, alongside bringing a certain balance to the team that seems to have been missing from the United team for some time.