Putting up a strong fight for a Champions League spot next season, it seems that Manchester United have already identified their potential summer targets and are ready to break the bank in order to secure the deals which will enable Van Gaal to put together a team capable of fighting for the biggest prizes amongst the elite in Europe. According to reports, Van Gaal is targeting a proven talenta such as Gareth Bale, Dani Alves and Paul Pogba over potential risks as he looks to assemble a squad that is likely to terrorize all oppositions visiting the Old Trafford. With a reported A?100 Million in the kitty, lets analyse these targets who could make their way to Manchester United this summer.
Gareth Bale
Real Madrida s galactico, Gareth Bale is the man who scored the winning goals in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League finals to lead the Spanish giants to a historic season under Carlo Ancelotti last year. Though the Welshman took his time to settle down at the club, he was instrumental in leading Real Madrid to the finals of the Copa del Rey where he scored a brilliant goal to secure his first trophy in the Spanish capital. The left footed winger followed that up with an extra time goal in Lisbon which enabled a distraught Iker Casillas to lift the La Decima, an obsession at Real Madrid.
Suffice to say, Gareth Bale is one of the worlda s best wingers despite the recent criticism and is an asset to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Before moving to Real Madrid, Bale had won several honours at Tottenham Hotspur and was judged the best player in England after a heroic season with the Spurs. Hence, Gareth Bale looks like a good target for Van Gaal as the winger is familiar with the English Premier League, having succeeded in it before. His looming presence in the field is well suited for a more physical approach to the game and Bale brings a lot of speed and penetration to the team with his tireless runs down the flanks.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes that Gareth Bale would a good buy for Van Gaal while comparing him to the likes of Cantona, Rooney and Van Nistelrooy.
a He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaala s team into serious title contenders next season. In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team. From Eric Cantona when I was an apprentice, to Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. These were great footballers who became great United players. Bale has the potential to make as much of an impact as any of them.a
But the question is, will Real Madrid sell their prized asset? The rumours in Spain reveal that with Cristiano Ronaldo ageing, it is Gareth Bale who will take on the responsibility to lead the teama s charge and is being cast in a similar mould. However, recent criticism could rile up Gareth Bale who has been the subject of much abuse at Santiago Bernabeu, prompting him to return to England. Having said that, it seems unlikely that United will be able to land Gareth Bale unless the Welshman has a strong personal reason to move back to England.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba remains till date, the youth product that got away from Old Trafford. In search of more playing time, Pogba moved to Juventus where he has emerged into one of the most talented midfielders in Europe. The French international has been instrumental in the cluba s success and is currently being targeted by almost all major European clubs. According to reports, Pogba is likely to make a big-money move in the summer with Juventus director Marotta himself confirming that the midfielder is a a master of his own destinya .
a Pogba is still master of his own destiny, and if he chooses to leave then it will be hard for the club to keep him.a
a He’s given no sign that he wants to go away. The problem is when a player is offered a contract that can be two or three times higher than what he’s currently earning. We’re talking about a net a 10m salary per season.a
Having let him leave Old Trafford for a free transfer, it seems that Manchester United are keen to sign Paul Pogba in the summer in a bid to bolster the midfield. With Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG also keen to sign the Frenchman, the transfer saga could turn into a battle of the heavyweights as every club will be interested in procuring his services. With Pogba coming up the ranks at Manchester, there is a good chance that he might decide to return to the club but will United be able to match City, PSG and Madrid in terms of wages and transfer fees? That remains to be seen.
Dani Alves
Due to run out of his contract at Barcelona this summer, Dani Alves will be a free agent in a few months, making him a hot property in the transfer season. The Brazilian right-back has been instrumental for Barcelona in recent years and his relentless pursuit of the ball combined with his ability to beat defenders makes him an efficient team-player. Dani Alves, though often caught out of position, has the ability to strike a good partnership with his team-mates and his partnership with Lionel Messi stands testimony to the fact.
Though there are rumours suggesting that Dani Alves will renegotiate with the Catalan giants in the summer, the right-back has been linked with a move to Manchester United with Van Gaal looking for an efficient player to fill the position. Though Valencia is currently playing in that position, the manager is aware that he cannot afford a make-shift defender who is likely to cost the team goals as in the case of Valencia.
Reports suggest that United are desperate to land the Brazilian and are ready to offer him a A?150,000-a-week deal to lure him to Old Trafford. However, considering that Dani Alves is already 31, it seems unlikely that Van Gaal would like to look at him as a long term investment. But despite his age, Manchester United might be able to entice him to England with a lucrative deal though Van Gaal would rather look to invest in young talents such as Porto’s Danilo Luiz da Silva.