Louis van Gaal set for big summer transfer moves now World Cup is over…
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Manchester United have already signed Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera for nearly £60m so far, but are expected to make plenty more moves in the transfer market before the start of the 2014/15 campaign.
Here’s how we rank their seven most prominent transfer targets right now, in terms of how much their arrival will excite the United faithful.
7) Thomas Vermaelen – Arsenal
The Belgian defender is expected to leave the Gunners this summer, and Louis van Gaal’s side have been credited with an interest. United supporters will no doubt reckon that if Vermaelen can’t get in Arsenal’s side, there’s no reason why the club should be trying to sign him to replace legendary centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
6) William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
Carvalho did well in Portugal last term, but his club are demanding United meet his £37m release clause, which is £10m more than Chelsea paid for Cesc Fabregas this summer, for instance. So in terms of valuable for money, this potential transfer would make United fans nervous.
5) Juan Cuadrado – Fiorentina
Cuadrado enjoyed an excellent World Cup, and would be an improvement on the current wide options of Ashley Young, Nani, Antonio Valencia among others. He’s available as well, although Bayern Munich, Arsenal and even Barcelona are all apparently interested.
4) Angel di Maria – Real Madrid
United may be fighting a losing battle to sign di Maria, with PSG the favourites to secure his signature for £50m. The Argentine though can play in central midfield or on either flank – and proved in last season’s Champions League final that he’s genuinely world-class.
3) Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
United badly need a central defender, and could do much worse than the World Cup winning German battler. Hummels is composed in possession and strong aerially – although Barcelona could battle the Red Devils for his signature.
2) Edinson Cavani – PSG
The Uruguayan powerhouse striker has reportedly told his agent to find him a club in England, with Manchester United one of the potential suitors. While United currently have Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie available up top, Cavani’s pedigree and quality is simply undeniable, having cost the Parisians £55m last summer. He’d likely demand a central striking role though – which United might not be able to offer him automatically.
1) Arturo Vidal – Juventus
Despite not qualifying for next season’s Champions League, Manchester United are the strong favourites to bring in the Chilean superstar. The Red Devils badly need a midfielder of his ilk, and his £32m arrival will be the marquee signing of van Gaal’s arrival. He’s combative, can score goals, and link up play in the middle.
