2) Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Recent stories have suggested that Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba would be van Gaal’s preferred left-back target if the Red Devils failed to bring in England youngster Shaw, and with Southampton seemingly holding up a deal for the 18-year-old to leave St Mary’s, Alba could now be the player brought in to replace veteran defender Patrice Evra. Alba has been a top performer for club and country in recent years, showing great ability in getting forward from the back, and at an asking price of around £22m, he would actually prove cheaper than Shaw, who has been valued at more like £27m by the Saints.