United ready to continue huge spending.
Manchester United have a huge transfer budget of £150 million to hand over to manager Louis van Gaal next summer, report the Mail, with five top class European players being targeted by the Red Devils as they look to continue their ascent back to the top of English and European football.
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Such lavish spending would continue a theme since David Moyes departed as manager earlier this year, with van Gaal already been given huge funds to spend on the likes of Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Ander Herrera in the 2014 summer window.
These are the five top class stars reportedly being targeted by United:
Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Alves is out of contract at the Nou Camp at the end of the season and talks between the Brazilian and his club do not seem to be progressing quickly. Signing such an experienced international star would be a real coup for United, particularly on a free transfer, and he represents a step up on Rafael and real attacking option.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund central defender Mats Hummels has spent much of this season sidelined due to injury, perhaps contributing to his side’s dismal Bundesliga form, but that is not expected to stop United from launching a £32 million move for the German international.
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
Perhaps the most eye-catching name linked by the Mail report is Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, with the Dutch maestro mentioned as a potential £20 million target. He has been wonderful for Pep Guardiola and Bayern over the last year or so, but could they be tempted to cash in on a player who isn’t getting an younger?
Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
Louis van Gaal is known to be a huge admirer of Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, who recently returned from a long term injury and is stepping up his return to Rudi Garcia’s side.
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone may have laughed off rumours linking his defensive lynchpin with a move to Old Trafford in recent days, but he could well have no choice if United decide to activate the Urugayan’s £28m release clause.