The manager has admitted that recruitment at the back is needed for his team.
Despite a solid showing in pre-season so far, new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that defensive recruitment is needed before the 2014/15 campaign starts.
“We are doing well but we are looking for defenders. Defenders have gone and we have to replace them,” the 62-year-old was quoted by the Independent.
So here are five defenders the Red Devils have their eye on.
Daley Blind, Ajax
A versatile player that van Gaal knows well from their time working together with the Netherlands national team and Blind also has the bonus of being able to play in a number of positions.
Although used as wing-back at the 2014 World Cup the 24-year-old played in midfield for Ajax last term and can also be used as a centre-back.
Source: Independent.
Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
Perhaps the least likely of the bunch with Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp insisting the 25-year-old is not for sale and Hummels unlikely to move to a club without Champions League football.
However, landing the Germany international would be a great coup with the World Cup winner considered to be among the finest defenders on the planet.
Source: Independent.
Miranda, Atletico Madrid
With Thibaut Courtois, Diego Costa and Filipe Luis all having left for Chelsea this summer it’s thought that Diego Simeone is looking to hold onto as many players as possible.
Yet United are extremely keen on this Brazilian, who at 29-years-old is hardly a signing for the future but he does have bags of experience.
Source: Metro.
Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
Like Hummels the likeliness of this deal being completed are slim, although the France international is somewhat disillusioned at the Esatdio Santiago Bernabeu currently.
This is because despite being a regular starter for his country, at Madrid the 21-year-old is yet to be given assurances about his role at the club and is looking into other options as a result.
Source: Independent.
Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal
Having been left on the periphery of the starting XI at the Emirates Stadium there is every chance that Vermaelen would welcome a move away from North London.
The 28-year-old is also an attractive prospect with his ability to play at left-back as well, although whether the Gunners would want to sell another captain to their great rivals is debatable.
Source: Independent.
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