Five players Manchester United would do better to look at…
Recent reports in the Daily Star claimed that Manchester United are planning a £20m move to bring Barcelona defender Gerard Pique back to Old Trafford, with the 27-year-old having moved to the Nou Camp in 2008.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool Real Madrid live streaming
Arsenal Anderlecht live streaming
Sami Khedira Arsenal transfer set to be free!
It seems a strange rumour, especially considering the Spaniard’s indifferent form since the retirement of long-term centre-back partner Carles Puyol. There are certainly more suitable players Louis van Gaal could target with his seemingly never ending war-chest. Here are just five:
5) Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Jan Vertonghen is being wasted at White Hart Lane, where he is struggling to secure first team football, and has cut a frustrated figure from some time. Given the Belgian is currently out of favour, Spurs could be tempted to sell if they receive a respectable offer. A move could give the versatile defender a new lease of life.
4) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Louis van Gaal’s young defenders have impressed more than their more experienced counterparts so far this season. With that in mind, you have to think that the Dutchman would jump at the chance to sign one of Europe’s brightest prospects. The 20-year-old has already made in excess of 50 La Liga appearances, and is a French youth team international.
3) Simon Kjaer (Lille)
The 25-year-old Danish international has already played at the top level in Italy (with Palermo), Germany (Wolfsburg) and France (Lille), and has garnered in excess of 40 international caps. Over the last year, he has established himself as one of the strongest centre backs in Europe, after helping his side to a great performance in last year’s league season.
2) Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
United were linked with the player during the last summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise. That is explained here by the Daily Express, who also emphasise the possibility of the Red Devils returning with an improved offer for the Brazilian in January. Louis van Gaal could greatly benefit from an experienced head in his back line, having lost both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic before taking over.
1) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
The German World Cup winner is a long term transfer target of United – but reportedly ruled out a move away from Dortmund earlier this season, shown here by the Daily Mirror. However, with Dortmund struggling massively in the Bundesliga, could a move materialize in January after all? United would certainly have to pay top dollar for one of the world’s top centre backs, but the Red Devils have proved that they are not afraid to spend the big bucks.
SEE ALSO: Best Premier League players 2014/15