Red Devils to strengthen their defence when cash is made available next summer.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal seems likely to be given a huge sum to spend on reinforcements next summer, with reports from numerous media outlets indicating the fact – but according to the Independent, it is going to be the defence that is given some serious TLC once the cash is handed over to the Dutchman.
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The report suggests that four new defenders will be targeted by van Gaal as he looks to completely revamp the defence at the end of the season – overhauling the area of the team that has arguably held United back in the season so far. The policy will be in stark contrast to the summer of 2014, when the Red Devils spent big on attacking talents including Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao.
These are the four defensive reinforcements that are going to be targeted according to the report:
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Despite his team languishing at the foot of the Bundesliga table and the player himself having spent much of the season sidelined through injury, German international centre back Mats Hummels remains one of the most sought after signings in the European game.
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Perhaps viewed as one for the future, young French centre back Aymeric Laporte has grown into a key player for Basque outfit Athletic Bilbao over the last two seasons, propelling him onto the wishlists of a number of major European clubs including United.
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
The rock at the heart of defence and one of many leaders in Diego Simeone’s impressive Atletico Madrid team, experienced Uruguayan central defender Diego Godin has a £28 million release clause in his Vicente Calderon contract, potentially alerting United to his availability.
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
The only one of the four players reportedly targeted who isn’t a central defender, Southampton right back Nathaniel Clyne is having a wonderful season, becoming an England international in the process – he would probably represent a step up on inconsistent Brazilian incumbent Rafael da Silva.