The five players van Gaal wants to bring in this summer.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is set to spend big on signing five key players to address the issues in his current squad, with as much as £116m’s worth of new signings being readied for moves to Old Trafford this summer.
Three new defenders look set to come in after the departures of key duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, while some exciting names upfront could also be in store, according to this extensive transfer target list as compiled by the Daily Star.
5) Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Unsettled at Arsenal, Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen has been a surprise transfer target for Manchester United this summer. Currently unable to break into the Gunners’ starting lineup, it is no surprise to see the former Ajax man linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium, though it will certainly be something of a blow for Arsenal fans if he can regain his best form for their rivals. For a reported price of just £10m, Vermaelen could prove a real bargain for the Red Devils as they look to strengthen at the back.
4) Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord)
A talented player who has caught the eye for both his club Feyenoord and for the Netherlands national team of late, it is no surprise to see Louis van Gaal target Stefan de Vrij this summer. The Dutch centre-back would be a great long-term acquisition for United as they eye a long-term Nemanja Vidic replacement, and he has shown he can perform for van Gaal with his displays under his guidance at international level. Another player available for just £10m, de Vrij should prove another astute purchase for United this summer.
3) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the best central defenders in the world, Borussia Dortmund have been reported as accepting a £16m bid from Manchester United for Mats Hummels. The German international, who scored two goals for his country en route to their success at this summer’s World Cup, would be an absolute steal for that price, and a major step forward for United as they look to re-establish themselves as a force of English football.
2) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
A highly prolific scorer during his time with Napoli, things haven’t quite gone for Edinson Cavani at Paris Saint-Germain, with the Uruguayan having to play second fiddle to star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, often finding himself shifted out wide for Laurent Blanc’s side. Still, the 27-year-old remains one of the best strikers in the world and could be an exciting signing for United, as he is supposedly available for around £50m as PSG look to bring in some cash from player sales to adhere to Uefa’s Financial Fair Play rulings. The player himself is also understood to be keen on the move, and this would surely be a superb signing for the club.
1) Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
One of the stand-out performers in Serie A last season for Fiorentina, as well as for his national side Colombia at this summer’s World Cup, Juan Cuadrado has reportedly become a £29m target for Manchester United. The 26-year-old scored 15 goals and laid on eight assists for his team-mates last season, and would be a big improvement on the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia on the flanks. The likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the player as well, but United are in desperate need of someone of his ability out wide, and they will be hoping to make this deal happen before the end of the summer.
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