United still looking at five main transfer targets.
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Manchester United may still have some big-money deals in the bag before the end of the summer transfer window, with Louis van Gaal outlining five main targets to bring in, according to the Daily Express.
The Red Devils completed the signing of versatile Argentine defender Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon this week, adding to their options in defence, though it is thought that van Gaal still wants at least one more new player at the back, with two possible candidates identified by the Dutchman.
Elsewhere, United still want to strengthen in central midfield and out wide, with some big names on van Gaal’s list as he looks to end a difficult transfer window on a high with a late spending spree, though it remains to be seen if the club will be able to conclude all of these deals in time, with the transfer window deadline fast approaching.
See below for the five players who could still be on their way to Old Trafford before the end of the summer:
5) Daley Blind (Ajax)
A £12m target after his fine performances under van Gaal for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup, Ajax’s versatile defender Daley Blind could still be a top target for United due to his ability to fill in at either centre-back, left-back or even defensive midfield. One of the cheaper options on United’s list, Blind would certainly make a top class addition even if it means the club miss out on some of their more big-name targets in the transfer market.
4) Nigel de Jong (AC Milan)
Worth around £5m to AC Milan, former Manchester City defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong is a somewhat surprise name on van Gaal’s shopping list as United remain desperate to sign at least one more combative midfield player to give them some bite in the middle of the park. Another Dutch international well known by van Gaal, de Jong could prove an astute purchase for the club if they cannot land some more high-profile players, with the experienced battler showing all the qualities of a top Premier League player during his time with rivals City, as well as with some fine form in Serie A.
3) Mehdi Benatia (AS Roma)
Despite also being linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, United may still be in with a chance of signing AS Roma defender Mehdi Benatia. The Moroccan international was one of the best centre-backs in Europe last season and would command a hefty transfer fee of around £30m to bring to Old Trafford, though he would surely be well worth every penny. There’s no doubt United face a tough task on their hands to sign Benatia, but it is no surprise to see him among their top targets for the final leg of this transfer window.
2) Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
A deal that has dragged on for much of this summer, it remains to be seen if United will ever find success in their efforts to sign Juventus star Arturo Vidal. Valued at around £40m, the Chilean international is undoubtedly one of the best in the world in his position and could be well worth the wait if he does make the move to Old Trafford. The 27-year-old would be a big improvement on United’s current options in the middle of the park and his presence would surely help fire the club back into the top four and help them challenge for the title this season.
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1) Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
Likely to cost around £56m, Manchester United could smash their transfer record in the pursuit of Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, who looks ever closer to heading out of the Bernabeu exit door after being left out of his side’s squad for the Spanish Super Cup second leg tie against Atletico Madrid. The Argentine would undoubtedly be a world class addition to United’s wide options, and his arrival at Old Trafford would surely see him go down as perhaps the most exciting signing of the whole summer.
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