Will Manchester United attempt to sign these five players this summer?
Manchester United are top of the Premier League- but after watching their performances in Europe this season few supporters would agree their squad would be able to compete with Europe’s elite clubs, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
The papers are already awash with transfer speculation, here are five players they have been linked with this summer over the past few days:
Arjen Robben
This signing would top any other signings United bring in this summer, Robben is arguably the best winger in the world at present. His only question mark has to be his injuries, but with United well covered out wide, Young, Valencia, and Nani, the fact he could not play every game would not be a problem. The big question here though, is over whether Bayern Munich would be willing to sell. Robben may have dropped hints over the past few weeks that he may be interested in a new challenge, and would have no shortage of suitors. He nearly signed for United many years ago of course, and could opt to experience what he missed out on by joining the Red Devils this summer. But Bayern Munich are in a position of financial strength and Robben is a star player, so why would they sell? For this reason, the transfer is more unlikely than likely.
David Henen
The Daily Mail report today that United are ready to look at the young Belgian striker. Henen is only 15, so this would very much be one for the future, but he could be one for the future. He plays for Anderlecht and aims to eclipse Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, by becoming the youngest professional player in the Belgian league’s history. Arsenal have also been linked with the youngster, who was actually born in Luxembourg. He has an impressive goals record, previously scoring 58 goals in a single season at youth level, and has seven in 11 games for Belgium’s youth national teams.
Aly Cissokho
Aly Cissokho has got the wheels of the rumour mill turning by announcing today that he wants to replace Patrice Evra for both club and country. The French left-back plays for Lyon and has made 33 appearances so far this season. Patrice Evra will not continue for ever, and has enjoyed peaks and troughs in his form for around two years now. United may not need to replace him for another couple of years, but if the opportunity presents itself with a quality player like Cissokho becoming available, Sir Alex Ferguson may elect to sign him and place Evra under increased competition and make him fight for his place.
Kevin Strootman
PSV midfielder Strootman has been dubbed ‘ the Dutch Roy Keane’ – high praise indeed. Such a signing would cost around £15 million, and he is the club’s current captain. The Mirror say United’s scouts have watched the 22-year-old 12 times over the past few weeks, and are preparing a summer bid. The central midfielder is a full Dutch international and is likely to feature at Euro 2012. United may be advised to sign him early before his price increases and more suitors compete for his signature.
Axel Witsel
United are said to be interested in signing Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel who plays for Benfica. He is 23 and only signed for the Portuguese club last summer. The club are though, said to be put off by Benfica’s asking price of £20 million. United are also interested in Benfica’s Argentine Nicolas Gaitan, but with a double swoop likely to cost over £40 million, you have to question how much the club are willing to invest in transfer this summer. Witsel is still relatively unproven for such a young player, but has a chance to show United what he can do when he travels to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, as Benfica attempt to overturn their 1-0 loss from the first leg.
image: © jesper2cv
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