Manchester United’s transfer window thus far has been a mix of success and failure.
The captures of Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been met with great deals of positivity for varying reasons, but the long-running transfer pursuit of Sergio Ramos looks set to end in a Cesc Fabregas-esque feeling of the ‘one that got away’, while David de Gea’s exit seems like a case of when, rather than if.
Alas, reports claim that another experienced and proven talent in the form of Pedro is all but officially a United player, and his intelligent play from a wide attacking role will further enhance Louis van Gaal’s options as he plots for a season back in the Champions League.
However, the club cannot really afford to let their business come to a close with the addition of Pedro, with LVG certainly in need of at least one or two more signings. So, what stars should he be looking at? Well, here are FIVE?
Pepe
With Pedro’s move nearing completion, United would be wise to turn their attention towards the other end of the pitch. The long-running pursuits of Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi look to end in disappointment, but there are other targets out there, with Real Madrid’s Pepe being mooted.
Although not quite of the calibre of the aforementioned names, and a little older at 32, the Portuguese centre-back is an experienced option, and would be an upgrade on current players such as Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. Pepe has a reputation for being a little ‘hot-headed’, however, with La Liga and Champions League winner’s medals in his collection, he boasts the know-how missing at Old Trafford.
Jasper Cillessen
With David de Gea edging towards his long-awaited Real Madrid move, the reliable Manchester Evening News have suggested that Ajax’s Cillessen is being eyed as a replacement. Sergio Romero has been signed, but the Argentine is likely to be used as a back-up option in place of Victor Valdes, with the Netherland’s international is viewed more as an orthodox No.1.
Van Gaal is clearly a fan of his compatriot after making him his main goalie at last summer’s World Cup, while his fine form for Ajax – albeit their four-year Eredivisie winning streak came to a close last season – has hinted that he’s ready to move on to bigger and better things.
John Stones
The battle between Manchester United and Chelsea for Everton’s 21-year-old starlet could intensify between now and the end of the transfer window. The four-cap England international is one of the most talked about emerging defenders in the Premier League, with his ability on the ball just as impressive as his defensive instincts.
The Toffees have already rebuffed bids of £20m and £26m from Chelsea for their man, so a fee north of £30m is likely to be needed to sway their steadfast stance. Although the Blues have been mooted as the most likely destination for Stones, public ‘tapping up’ from Gary Cahill may well have angered Everton, which could make a deal with United more favourable.
Alexandre Lacazette
With Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie both gone, Van Gaal is preparing for the big kick-off with only Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson as orthodox strikers. With the latter two having once been deemed unneeded and lacking experience respectively, it’s clear that at least one addition is needed, and one of the very best strikers still out there is Lacazette. The Frenchman’s 27 Ligue 1 goals last term made him the third most deadly goal-getter in any of Europe’s five major leagues, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi first and second.
Lyon have maintained that they’re not interested in selling, but a sizable bid could test their resolve, with French football not exactly awash with cash – aside from at Paris Saint-Germain.
Robert Lewandowski
“With a player of Robert’s class, the truth is that not a lot of work is required because really there are only two directions in which he could go in the future, England or Spain, and only with Bayern Munich’s acceptance.”
The Poland international’s agent recently opened the door for a move, and although the player himself has outlined his desire to carry on scoring in Germany, as long as the window is open there’s a chance of luring him from Munich to Manchester.
An established striker with experience in the Champions League, Lewandowski ticks all the boxes for what is needed at United, while his imposing 6ft. frame also makes him an ideal physical presence for a Van Gaal team.
