Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are loving all the gossip surrounding their club but they're beginning to admit a lot of it is farfetched.

Whilst links to the likes of Thomas Muller, Gareth Bale, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo excite them, it's highly unlikely that a deal for such a global icon would be able to be completed midway through the season.

Instead, United will be hoping to find the right additions from some lesser-ranked clubs but there's still some top deals on the cards, which has proved to be the topic of conversation for our regulars at the bar this afternoon.

They've drawn up a shortlist of five realistic signings that they would be happy with in January and have shared it here- and we have to say some of these deals look fantastic and could be crucial to securing the Premier League title come May.

Hit Van Gaal below to see FIVE realistic signings for Manchester United in January!

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Sadio Mane

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Whilst Southampton are adamant that they do not want to part ways with the talented Senegalese international in January, and would rather wait until the end of the season, Manchester United's determination could change that outlook.

Louis Van Gaal has made it clear that he wants to sign a pacy winger in January, believing it's what his side is lacking, and a failure to secure such a player could prove decisive in the title race. Therefore, he's likely to be prepared to spend more in order to entice the Saints into a sale.

Saido Berahino

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The West Brom striker seems set to leave the club in January, after a controversial few months following his failed bid for an exit during the summer, and Manchester United seems the ideal destination for the England U21 international.

He'd get regular football as an alternative to Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney, whilst also increasing his chances of earning a senior international call-up and also getting the chance to experience Champions League football.

Hakan Calhanoglu

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Manchester United's creativity has been a problem this season and Hakan Calhanoglu, dubbed the 'new Mesut Ozil', seems to be the perfect candidate to erase that issue and push the Red Devils further towards success.

The 21-year-old Turkish international is highly-rated in European football, and valued very highly by Bayer Leverkusen, but the Bundesliga side do not have the financial capabilities to fend off the interest from one of England's biggest clubs.

Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi, Inter Milan's club captain, seems an unlikely signing for Manchester United until you start digging into the details. The 22-year-old has clashed numerous times with Roberto Mancini this season, struggling in a new formation.

With Inter pushing for the Serie A title, any further problems could derail the squad morale and may have a negative effect on the results. Therefore, for the right price, Inter may be willing to part ways with Icardi in the New Year.

Marc Bartra

Bartra

Barcelona's transfer ban has hit them big time and, although winning the treble last season and firing on all cylinders again this term, they are in financial difficulty. In order to purchase their ideal targets in the New Year, sales will have to be completed.

Young defender Marc Bartra is the first name likely to be offloaded from Catalonia as the young talent isn't getting much first-team experience but is still valued very highly. The Premier League seems a likely destination for the talented player, who would increase United's squad depth significantly.