Red Devils boss to cull five in expensive midfielder deal.Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has identified five players that could make way to raise around £65m in transfer funds to help bring in AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman.
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The Red Devils were busy in the summer transfer window, with new manager van Gaal overseeing a major squad overhaul with a number of big names coming in and going out.
The likes of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao have been brought to Old Trafford by the Dutchman, who is now focusing his attention on his fellow countryman Strootman, a favourite of his during his time in charge of the Netherlands national team.
However, the 24-year-old will not come cheap, and United may have to fork out as much as £60m to bring him to the Premier League, with player sales needed before this move can be concluded in January.
Below are the five names selected by van Gaal to make way:
5) Juan Mata (£24m)
One of the biggest names in the firing line for United, Juan Mata could be offloaded to either Juventus or Atletico Madrid in a bid to raise around £24m in transfer funds. The Spanish playmaker has not been at his best since moving to Old Trafford from Chelsea in January, with van Gaal willing to let him go in the near future as he eyes signings in other key areas of the pitch.
4) Marouane Fellaini (£15m)
Expected to fetch around £15m, Marouane Fellaini is on the transfer list at Old Trafford after failing to break into the starting lineup on a regular basis this season. Having disappointed since his big-money move from Everton last summer, United will have to take a hit on the Belgian international, who is supposedly a target for Italian side Napoli.
3) Ashley Young (£9m)
Valued at around £9m, further money could come in from the expected sale of Ashley Young, whose form has dipped despite some promising displays as a wing-back in pre-season. Newcastle United and West Ham United are among those interested in the experienced England winger, who was a top performer at his previous club Aston Villa.
2) Chris Smalling (£8m)
Supposedly a target for Arsenal, Chris Smalling could make way this January as United eye defensive improvements. The England international has not progressed as hoped since moving to Old Trafford from Fulham, and could now be available for as little as £8m after failing to impress his new manager.
1) Rafael (£9m)
Another player who has lost his way somewhat, Brazilian right-back Rafael da Silva is no longer needed by United and is also expected to be offloaded in the next transfer window. £9m should be enough to persuade the club to sell, though defensive signings may also be needed alongside Strootman as these sales would leave the club well short of depth in that area.