Manchester United have agreed a fee to sign Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino according to the Metro, but is he the best signing that the Red Devils can get?
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Here are five players who Louis van Gaal could show interest in instead of the 23-year-old. They would all likely be more expensive than the Brazilian, but United have no worries financially. So, could one of these put the cut price £13.1 million Firmino move to shame?
5) Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund
Although the 26-year-old signed a new contract at the Westfalenstadion last season, the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp could leave the Germany international thinking about his future with the team. It would likely be very difficult to entice him away from his boyhood club, but it would be worth it with a record of 11 goals and six assists in an injury hit 24 appearances last season.
4) Hakan Calhanoglu, Bayer Leverkusen
An up and coming creative midfielder who has a great ability from dead ball situations, and is also just 21-years-old. Calhanoglu had only two less assists than Firmino in the Bundesliga last season despite playing 496 fewer minutes in the campaign.
3) Isco, Real Madrid
The 23-year-old managed to get 48 appearances for the Los Blancos in the last campaign, which is no mean feat when in competition with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and James Rodriguez for a place in the starting XI. With this undoubted ability the 23-year-old is a favourite at the Bernabeu, but maybe a move to a club where he is the main man would be enticing?
2) Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich
Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal brought Muller in to the side while he was in charge at the Allianz Arena, and amid reports from the Daily Mirror that he is unhappy in Munich he could be tempted by a reunion. The 25-year-old managed 21 goals and 13 assists in 47 appearances for the Bavarian side last season.
1) Gareth Bale, Real Madrid
It may be hard to sign the Welshman from Real after he said that he is not leaving according to Sky Sports. However, with Los Blancos’ fans seemingly against him, it would surely be tempting to go where he would be supported at Old Trafford. Even in a so called disappointing season the forward got 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 games last time round.