United identify three main midfield targets.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has named a three-man shortlist of potential midfield signings for this summer, according to the Daily Express.
An injury to key player Michael Carrick looks to have intensified United’s search for new signings in that position, with Ander Herrera already brought in from Athletic Bilbao earlier in this transfer window.
Still, even with Carrick available, United have been linked with a host of big names to address something that has been a problem position for them for some time, with a creative player still needed as a long-term replacement for the legendary Paul Scholes, who retired from the game last summer.
Van Gaal is showing plenty of ambition in the transfer market, and despite missing out on Germany playmaker Toni Kroos, who has instead joined Real Madrid, one of his international team-mates and former club colleagues makes up an exciting three-player shortlist of other midfield targets.
3) Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
Perhaps the next best thing after missing out on Toni Kroos, United could be set to step up their interest in Bayern and Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is seemingly available for around £20m this summer. The 29-year-old has been with the Bavarian giants for his entire career so far and it may be that he wants to try a new challenge at this stage in his career. A great all-rounder in the middle of the park, capable of filling several roles, Schweinsteiger would be a superb addition for van Gaal if he can lure him to Old Trafford.
2) William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
An exciting young talent emerging in Portuguese football, United could be ready to pay the release clause of Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, who would cost around £37.5m. The 22-year-old is another fine all-rounder in the middle of the park, and United will hope to beat off competition from the likes of Chelsea for his signature this summer. With Jose Mourinho now stating that his work in the transfer market was done, United could be favourites to win the race for this excellent young midfielder.
1) Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
One of the best midfielders in the world at the moment, United have long been in the hunt for Juventus and Chile star Arturo Vidal, whose stock has risen even further after an impressive showing for his country at this summer’s World Cup. The 27-year-old would no doubt be expensive at around £34m, but would tick all the boxes as van Gaal seeks to bring in a bit more bite and creativity, as well as goals, to his midfield options. Any of these three players would no doubt make great additions for the Red Devils, but Vidal would arguably be the best of the lot.
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