The Red Devils are now way behind the title race but can ensure their chances if they make right moves in this January transfer window.
Manchester United are very close to securing a move for Benfica starlet Renato Sanches this January as club officials recently met the youngster’s agent in London. According to a report from Daily Mail, The player, however, has a release clause of around £60m but van Gaal is confident enough that he can land the 18-year-old for half the amount along with add-ons. There is a possibility that Renato Sanches will be loaned back to Benfica for the rest of this season in order to sweeten the deal for the Portuguese side.
Manchester United also are planning to bid for Jack Butland if David de Gea decides to leaves for Real Madrid. Daily Mail claims United Hierarchy have already drawn up a shortlist of keepers if Real swoop for the Spaniard and Butland is believed to be at the top of the list. van Gaal has been keeping an eye on Butland this term and have been quite impressed by his some of his brilliant displays between the sticks. Last weekend, the Stoke keeper produced another excellent performance in the 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal.
Manchester United will be expected to battle it out with Manchester City to sign long-term target Neymar, according to reports in Italy. Gazzetta World reports both the clubs are trying hard to complete a move for the Barcelona forward, who is increasingly open to a move. The logic for Neymar wanting to switch is said to be that the Brazilian is desperate to be the main man in his team and he has already realised that won’t happen at Barcelona.
United are desperate to sign England’s one of the most promising young defenders John Stones from Everton, according to Daily Mirror. The Red Devils think a £45m bid will be enough to tempt Everton. Although Everton earlier played a hardball with Chelsea over John Stones’ transfer, a staggering £45m offer would be too good to refuse for Everton.
Finally, Manchester United also looks committed to bringing in top youth players instead of just going for big names. Reports from Metro suggest they are quite confident of beating Chelsea to the sign Feyenoord wonderkid Tahith Chong. The 16-year-old is regarded as a huge talent in the Eredivisie, and van Gaal is keen to snatch him in front of their rivals.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has apparently welcomed several bids for striker Romelu Lukaku after reports claimed Manchester United are closely monitoring the Belgian forward’s future at Goodison Park. The 22-year-old has scored 19 goals in all competitions this term and is a joint-leading scorer in the Premier League alongside Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. According to the Sun, the Toffees have tagged £65m price on their star forward to warn off interest in the player.