10 midfield players Man Utd should target in this month’s transfer window.
Manchester United have been linked with a host of big-name midfielders this month, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal, Marik Hamsik and Koke. But huge deals rarely come off in January, with big clubs always reluctant to part with their stars mid-season.
We consider ten affordable and realistic targets for David Moyes this month:
Morgan Schneiderlin
With Southampton in turmoil, Schneiderlin could be gettable this month. The Frenchman has quietly established himself as a crucial part of Mauricio Pochettino’s attractive Saints side but is perhaps not creative enough to make an impact at Manchester United, who already boast a not dissimilar player in Michael Carrick.
Wesley Sneijder
The Dutchman has been frequently linked with United since opting to join Galatasaray last year. Sneijder is only 29 and remains a class act, with the creativity to unlock the meanest defences. Gala paid around £8m for the playmaker, so it’s possible the Red Devils could land him for a reasonable price, particularly if the former Ajax star pushes for a move to Old Trafford.
Casemiro
Real Madrid landed the Brazil international midfielder on a permanent deal this summer but the 21-year-old has made just four substitute appearances for Los Blancos this season. The box-t0-box star is still young and learning his trade, but has huge potential. With a the likes Asier Illarramendia and Isco on the books, Real may be persuaded to part with him if United make a decent offer.
Adam Lallana
Like teammate Schneiderlin, Lallan is facing an uncertain future at St Mary’s after the departure of chairman Nicola Cortese. The young Englishman has been superb for Saints this season and is pushing for a spot in the England squad at next summer’s World Cup after impressing on his debut last year. Lallana wouldn’t cost the earth and would undoubtedly improve United’s lifeless midfield.
Etienne Capoue
An enforcer is not what United need most but Tottenham’s unwanted France international could still make a good addition to David Moyes’ squad. The 25-year-old is unfancied by new boss Tim Sherwood but would add a physical presence to the centre of the park for the Red Devils and is not a bad passer of the ball. Spurs are reportedly willing to sell the former Toulouse player for around £10m.
Yohan Cabaye
Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with the France international playmaker but given the abundance of creative midfielders at the Emirates Stadium, Cabaye would surely be better off heading to Manchester. Newcastle have proved willing to sell their best players for the right price in the past and although it may take between £15-20m, United should seriously consider moving for the classy Cabaye.
Mohamed Diame
This time last year, the Hammers midfielder was the name of everyone’s lips, with reports he could be available for as little as £3.5m. Transfer speculation around Diame has dried up but he remains the shining light in West Ham’s team and would add physicality and drive to United’s midfield. If rumours of a release clause in his contract are true, Diame could prove a bargain.
Ravel Morrison
Another Hammers player and another controversial choice, the former United starlet has shown glimpses of his genius since breaking into the West Ham first team and is reportedly agitating for a move away from Upton Park. Fulham are the most interested party but Ravel would surely prefer a move back to Manchester if Moyes could offer him game-time. Whether United would want to risk re-sign a volatile and unpredictable individual remains to be seen, however.
Fabian Delph
The Yorkshire has an underwhelming start to his career at Villa Park but has finally started to show his potential this season, and is blossoming into a fine player. Delph is the type of box-to-box midfielder that could benefit Moyes’ side and would probably be available for around the £15m mark.
Will Hughes
You’ll never win anything with kids but when the kids in question are as talented as Derby County’s Will Hughes, you have a good chance. The 18-year-old has been linked with Liverpool and is sure to make the step up to the Premier League soon. He’s probably too inexperienced to make an impact at United yet, though.