The centre of midfield is the area Manchester United desperately need to recruit in. United have signed Kagawa and Powell in attack, but a top class centre-mid is much needed.
Here is our shortlist. Will we see any of these five at Old Trafford next season?
Oscar de Marcos
Age: 23, Club: Athletic Bilbao
De Marcos helped teach United a lesson in the Europa League this campaign, as the talented Bilbao side dominated United’s midfield home and away. De Marcos was a key part of this, scoring in both legs. He is rated at around £20 million, and is on the verge of breaking into Spain’s squad. A big money move to one of Europe’s giants, like United, could help him stand out and break into his national side. He can play across the midfield and even filled in at left-back for Bilbao this season. He scored eight goals in 48 games and provided four assists last season.
Luka Modric
Age: 26, Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Luka Modric is a name United fans will too be very familiar with, having seen him play for Tottenham against them for four seasons now. He is keen to test himself once again with Champions League football, and faces a second season without it if he does not secure a move. Chelsea came close to signing him last summer, and Spurs face a battle to keep him. United have been reported to bid in the region of £25 million, but news French runners-up are to offer £30 million does not bode well. It will also be an advantage for Spurs not to sell to a Premier League club. He scored four goals and made four assists in 40 games last season.
Kevin Strootman
Age: 22, Club: PSV
Kevin Strootman is a Dutch international who has been tipped for the very top. The midfielder himself is happy at PSV, but money talks. United were first linked with him two months ago, and he is a ball-winner who would add some much-needed energy to the middle of the park. He is also a good passer of the ball, and will thrive amongst United’s talented teammates. United could pick him up for around £15 million, and while four years younger than Modric he is not yet the finished article, he appears to have all the assets to blossom into a top level player.
Cheik Tiote
Age: 25, Club: Newcastle United
Tiote would be a huge signing for United, a tough tackler they are really lacking. Darren Fletcher is United’s only genuine ‘destroyer’ in midfield, and how much playing time he will be able to contribute next season is unclear. Tiote has been one of Newcastle’s gems, signed for just £3.5 million and would add the bite to the midfield they are sorely lacking. He is now worth around £20 million, which would leave Newcastle with a big decision to make, but if signed he would be worth every penny. He played 24 league games last season picking up one assist.
Ander Herrera
Age: 22, Club: Athletic Bilbao
Ander Herrera is another classy Bilbao midfielder, and a cheaper option than Javi Martinez rated at £30 million. Herrera could be picked up for half that, and could fit into United’s side every bit as seamlessly. Herrera is more of an attacking player than De Marcos, but can and has played in defensive midfield. A Spain under-21 international, he likes to pass and move, and also shoot from distance. He also impressed against United so they will be well aware of him, but the club are yet to make any interest public. He scored four goals in 48 games last season, supplying seven assists.
Which of these five is the best bet for United? Who else to the club need to look at?
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