Louis van Gaal could well enter the transfer market to secure another midfielder…
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Here’s how we rank five of the central midfield targets Manchester United are reportedly chasing in terms of value for money, and what they’d potentially bring to Old Trafford.
5) James McCarthy – Everton
Goal has linked McCarthy to Old Trafford, but the €31m asking price seems pretty steep. McCarthy is a good Premier League midfielder, and he performed excellently for Everton last season under Roberto Martinez. He’s certainly not world-class however, and arguably not an enormous improvement on what they already have.
4) William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
The 22-year-old powerhouse is young and talented, but his Portuguese club want €46m for his services, reports Goal. This is astronomical for such an inexperienced player, especially considering a midfielder of Cesc Fabregas’s quality moved to Chelsea for £10m less than this fee already this summer. Carvalho prides himself on his power and energy rather than his technical ability, and United fans saw last term with Marouane Fellaini that this isn’t always ideal.
3) Angel Di Maria – Real Madrid
The Argentine is more naturally a left winger, but predominantly played in central midfield for Real Madrid last term, duo to Gareth Bale and Crisitano Ronaldo occupying the wide berths. He’s apparently available at €60m, although United would have to beat French giants PSG to his signature, with Laurent Blanc’s outfit also interested.
2) Kevin Strootman – AS Roma
Strootman is just what United need. He’s worked with van Gaal for Holland, is coming into his prime aged 24, and he provides consistent defensive and offensive contribution while being technically secure. Roma want a barbaric £79m for his services though, which for a currently injured player, rules out a transfer until January, and only if the Italians lower their demands by the new year.
1) Arturo Vidal – Juventus
The Chilean seemingly provides United everything they need. He scores goals, works incomparably hard, can create chances, and loves to hassle the opposition from the centre of the park. Reports claim Vidal’s Juventus future is set to be decided soon, while Chilean broadsheet El Mecurcio already claim the player has a verbal agreement with the Red Devils. United fans will be crossing their fingers they’re telling the truth.
