Five Transfer Targets for United this Summer
While any club would be happy with three trophies at the end of a long campaign, the real plus for Manchester United fans was a return to the Champions League.
They are back in Europe’s elite thanks to victory over Ajax in the Europa League but the fact that United finished outside of the top four places means that the jury is essentially out in terms of Jose Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford.
The real aim for supporters is a genuine title challenge but to do that, it seems that Mourinho will need extra reinforcements ahead of 2017/18. So, who exactly is in the frame to help the club achieve its targets?
Alvaro Morata
With Atletico Madrid’s transfer embargo making a deal for Antoine Griezmann seem remote, United are widely tipped to be heading across the City for Real’s Alvaro Morata. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic released, the main goal threat from last season has disappeared and Jose must find an adequate replacement for the Swede if they are going to justify those pundits who are tipping a title challenge next season.
Morata returned to Real in 2016 after a spell with Juventus and in the last twelve months has developed into a potent force in La Liga. Can he transfer that potency into the Premier League? Many United fans are hoping they get the chance to find out.
Eric Dier
Spurs fans would have been more than surprised to see the name of Eric Dier being linked with a move away from the club. Since moving to North London from Portugal, the former Sporting Lisbon man has become a regular in the England squad and it’s his versatility that appeals to a number of suitors.
Initially deployed as a centre back, Dier has also been used on the right hand side of defence before finally establishing himself as a defensive midfielder. It’s rumoured that Spurs will be prepared to let Dier go as they have cover in this position from Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele but will it really come to fruition and is £50m a realistic price tag?
Romelu Lukaku
When Belgian striker Lukaku declared in early June that his next destination had already been agreed, we all expected news of a confirmed deal with Chelsea. However, with that announcement yet to materialise, speculation that United could yet be in with a chance has continued to grow.
The appeal of Lukaku is obvious and unlike many strikers who will be linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the weeks that follow, here we have a proven goal scorer in the Premier League who would have taken the Golden Boot trophy had it not been for an incredible late surge from Harry Kane.
The price tag may not be quite so appealing however with a reported fee approaching £100m but as we saw with Paul Pogba last summer, United are not shy when it comes to spending the big bucks on the right player.
Anderson Talisca
With Manchester United having already agreed a deal for Victor Lindelof, it’s being reported that Jose will go back to Benfica in an attempt to prise away 23 year old Talisca. The youngster is an attacking midfielder and what may have caught the manager’s eye is a healthy return of 13 goals from 22 league matches while on loan at Besiktas last season.
This is very much one for the future but that’s a promising stat for the Brazilian Under 23 player and Old Trafford could provide the perfect stage for him to develop his game.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Well, we can still dream…