Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan in recent weeks.
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The Turkey captain—who can play in wide areas or in the centre of midfield—would be an excellent addition for the Red Devils and could help Louis van Gaal’s side thrive in the Champions League.
However, the north-west giants face competition for his signature, with both Chelsea and Barcelona reportedly keen on acquiring the former Galatasaray man.
The latter could offer him a reunion with former teammates Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, while the appeal of Barca is self-evident.
Should United miss out on Turan, here are five midfield talents they could turn to instead.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Bastian Schweinsteiger may well be coming to the end of his decorated stay at Bayern Munich. The midfielder—who won the World Cup with Germany—has achieved great success in Bavaria, and is a multi-time Bundesliga champion.
He also won the Champions League with Bayern in 2013, but may have come to the end of the road.
At 30, Schweinsteiger is not a long-term answer for United, but may possess the class to ensure van Gaal’s outfit return to the pinnacle of English football.
Morgan Schneiderlin
At times, the French international has looked close to a move to Arsenal or Chelsea, but lately, United have emerged as overwhelming favourites for his signature.
The 25-year-old would be an able long-term successor to Michael Carrick, and is a dominating midfield presence with Premier League experience.
Marco Verratti
Paris Saint-Germain man Verratti is one of the game’s outstanding young central midfielders, perhaps second only to Paul Pogba in this category.
He thrives as a deep-lying playmaker, but also has the tenacity to break up opposition attacks and the vision to thrive further forward.
Real Madrid have been linked to his signature, but United would do well to attempt everything in their power to sign the former Pescara man.
Arturo Vidal
Is Juventus’ signing of Sami Khedira indication that they are making contingency plans should Arturo Vidal leave Turin?
The Chile dynamo has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League—with Arsenal reportedly keen on his signature—and would represent a world-class addition for the Red Devils.
The prospect of Vidal and Daley Blind in the centre of midfield, supporting Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney, for example, in attack, is a tantalising one.
Asier Illarramendi
Real Madrid midfielder Illarramendi’s future appears particularly uncertain at the moment. The Spaniard struggled for playing time under Carlo Ancelotti, and it remains to be seen what role he will play under Rafael Benitez.
He has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent times, in order to secure regular minutes, and might be an intriguing long-term option for van Gaal.