Manchester United has turned things around completely following an absolutely brutal start to the Premier League season but even playing at such a high level now there is little reason to think they are finished when it comes to making personnel moves. There are a number of names that have been linked to a move to United once the January transfer window opens ranging from the likely to the unlikely. Here is a look at the three most realistic transfer targets that have been linked to a move to United this season.
Mats Hummels – D, Borussia Dortmund
It’s so difficult to find a quality center back that even if he was made available, the price for the German World Cup winner would be incredibly high. But when’s the last time a price tag deterred Manchester United? That’s why there is still reason to believe the reported transfer to United could happen. Dortmund is sitting in the relegation zone in the Bundesliga, so they may try to salvage some money instead. If that’s the case, then several of its big names could be on the move with Hummels being at the top of the list.
United has been strongly linked to Hummels since the summer and it will be interesting to see how much they would be willing to spend to acquire a player as young and talented as he is. And the biggest attraction is that he is still in his prime. United already has plenty of firepower up front, so that’s not their need. Acquiring a dominant defender that can bring so much to their back line in terms of both leadership and skill would fill a number of voids and bolster their EPL run. That’s why they might make the investment despite the heavy cost.
Kevin Strootman – M, Roma
Strootman was an absolutely crucial piece for Roma last season prior to suffering a knee injury that ended his campaign. That forced him to miss the 2014 World Cup with the Netherlands. While the 24-year-old hasn’t been at his best since returning to the lineup in Serie A, a potential and a fresh start could reinvigorate him. Strootman was linked to Old Trafford before he even signed with Roma and now a move seems far more realistic. The link between him and manager Louis Van Gaal is well documented as the Dutch national team manager reportedly has a high opinion of him. Roma was eliminated in the Champions League and that could be the final blow that pushes for changes. While it looks like Strootman has one step out the door, the Manchester United will have to compete with the giants from La Liga as Strootman has made it known he has a strong affinity for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Lucas Silva – M, Cruzeiro
And if Strootman does end up in La Liga instead of the English Premier League, United’s desire to add a holding midfielder could lead them to chase Silva instead. Silva is still somewhat raw but at 21 years of age, he has incredible potential. He was the key to helping Cruzeiro win two straight Brasileirao titles. Silva was voted the league’s best defensive midfielder last year, so he definitely fits the bill of what United is looking for. However, the biggest obstacle in acquiring Silva could be the number of teams interested in signing him. Just like with Strootman, there will be competition from the top clubs in Spain. Real Madrid is one team that has been strongly linked to the youngster over the past couple of months and the language barrier could make a move to Spain that much more likely than one to Old Trafford. Silva publicly said playing for Real Madrid would be a dream come true. However, it’s not fully up to him and Man U has plenty of money to get it’s way.
Look for United to get its paws on either Strootman or Silva. Both would be steady additions for a team trying to climb to the top of the table in the EPL.
