Manchester United have reportedly agreed a £22m fee with Portuguese outfit Benfica Nicolas Gaitan according to Express Sport, but are there better options for Louis van Gaal?
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Take a look at five younger options that the United boss can target instead of the 27-year-old during the transfer window. Money doesn’t seem to be much of a problem for the Red Devils and van Gaal will be getting good value with these potential deals.
5) Max Meyer, Schalke
The German teenager has already one full international cap to his name and is highly-regarded in his homeland. Meyer is equally comfortable playing on either wing or in the number 10 role and looks destined for a bright future.
Last season he struck five times in 28 league appearances and United could pounce given that Roberto Di Matteo left his Schalke manager earlier in the summer.
4) Roberto Firmino, Hoffenheim
The Brazilian international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past few weeks and reports in Independent Sport have gone as far to suggest a fee has been agreed.
Three goals in six caps for the national team coupled with his brilliant performances for Hoffenheim in the last 18 months would make him a dream signing at Old Trafford.
Plus he’s capable of producing magical moments….
3) Felipe Anderson, Lazio
Yet another Brazilian who has been linked with the Red Devils [via Daily Star Sport] following a breakthrough season in Serie A with Lazio.
The highly-rated 22-year-old, who is comfortable on either wing, scored 10 and assisted a further seven in 32 league appearances to help the club into the Champions League.
His goal threat, creativity and flair would be greatly appreciated by supporters of United.
2) Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
Given the heated rivalry between the two North-West based clubs, it is extremely unlikely that Liverpool would sell their prized asset to Manchester United.
However, United have already inquired about Sterling as reported by the Manchester Evening News last month and if they were to meet the £50million valuation, would the Reds be forced to accept?
He has already scored against United’s local rivals City, which will surely endear him to the Old Trafford faithful.
1) Gareth Bale, Real Madrid
New Los Blancos boss Rafael Benitez seems to be building his new-look side around the Welshman [via Mirror Sport] which may make this deal a non-starter.
However, with sections of Madrid supporters seemingly against Bale [via Mirror Sport], he could decide enough is enough and head back to the Premier League and to United where he will be loved by the Old Trafford faithful.
His goal for Wales against Belgium on Friday proves he is the man for the big occasions and that is something this current Red Devils side have missed in the last two years.