Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
The final Dortmund players that United are widely reported to be targeting is their commanding centre back, Mats Hummels.
The 24-year-old has been on Ferguson’s wishlist for some time now, though he’ll have to be prepared to battle with Manchester City and Barcelona if they want to nail his signature.
With Nemnaja Vidic looking set to move on at the end of the season, the club have identified the 24-cap German international as the Serb’s ideal replacement. Barca also want him to take over from the aging Carles Puyol who has struggled with injuries this season.
Having been unable to break into the Bayen Munich side, where he came through the ranks, he spent a year on loan at Dortmund in 2008-09 before making the permanent switch the following summer.
He has been compared to German legend Franz Beckenbauer thanks to the way he likes to bring the ball out from the back to start attacks. Gifted with good strength and a well-timed tackle, he also has the pace to catch speedy forwards who have somehow eluded him.
Unlike his teammates on this list, he’s not stated a preference as to where he’ll be next season, but United won’t find a better defender than Hummels.