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Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in world football and it is no surprise that the Red Devils have been linked to some absolute superstars this transfer window. The Premier League giants have already completed the signing of Victor Lindelof and we might soon see one or more of these 5 stars join the Swiss defender at Old Trafford.
Mourinho after his Europa League triumph is desperate to strengthen his squad and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title. He has identified the key areas where he wants to strengthen this summer.
The midfield and striker positions are key areas and the ‘special one’ has the backing of Ed Woodward to spend big money on his targets. Without much ado, let us take a look at 5 players who are close to signing for Manchester United.
#5 Radja Nainggolan
One of the most underrated midfielders in world football at the moment, AS Roma star Radja Nainggolan, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer. Probably the best midfielder in Serie A at the moment, Radja Nainggolan’s all-action displays have been key to Roma’s good performances in the Serie A.
The best facet of Nainggolan is his well-rounded game. He is capable of contributing defensively, putting in hard tackles and winning the ball back for his team. At the same time, the Belgian is also more than capable of contributing offensively, often starting off his team’s attacks and picking out killer through balls.
The Belgian midfielder even added more fuel to the fire by addressing reports of his supposed move to Manchester United:
“When you play football you have to make choices and last season my choice was to stay [at Roma]. We’ll see [what will happen this summer]. I’m going to go on vacation and then we will talk about it.”
A cryptic Instagram post has also sent the United fans into a tizzy and we might soon see the Roma man strut his stuff alongside the likes of Paul Pogba at Old Trafford.
#4 Andrea Belotti
The most improved striker in world football at the moment, Andrea Belotti has become one of the biggest names associated with a move this transfer window. An impressive finisher and blessed with an imposing physique, Belotti has been one of the standout talents in the Serie A this season.
Linked with a big-money move to the Premier League, the Torino man has seen his market value skyrocket after his impressive tally of 28 goals this season. A perfect team player, Belotti’s hard work and discipline have earned him many admirers including legendary manager Arrigo Sacchi who said:
"He's an example because God didn't bless him with huge talent, but with greater values like generosity, enthusiasm and passion."
Considered to be an ideal replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mourinho is determined to land his man for whatever price it takes. Torino President Urbano Cairo said that Belotti could move for the right price:
"The most important thing is what he wants, regardless of the release clause”
Manchester United will be hoping to hammer out the deal for the Torino man as soon as possible.
#3 James Rodriguez
One rumour which refuses to die down is that of James Rodriguez joining Manchester United. More often than not left on the bench by Real Madrid manager Zidane, the Colombian superstar has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The Real Madrid man has fallen behind both Isco and Asensio in the pecking order and his career could well be resurrected by a move to Manchester United. Another key factor in the transfer is the fact that both Mourinho and James share the same agent and a move could well be completed even before United start pre-season.
Rodriguez’s national teammate Bacca even said that while it was difficult for the Colombian to leave Real Madrid, it was important that the stylish playmaker had regular game time before the World Cup in Russia. Speaking to WinSports, Bacca said:
"These are decisions he needs to take himself, because he is also risking the World Cup,"
With the Sun suggesting that a personal agreement has been reached between Manchester United and James Rodriguez, it only looks like a matter of time before the transfer is finalised.
#2 Nemanja Matic
Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is very close to completing a move to Manchester United with ESPN even suggesting that the move could be announced before the end of the current week. The fee is reported to be around £40 million with Mourinho looking to add depth to his midfield following the departures of Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger. Also with Michael Carrick on the wrong side of 30, Matic is seen as the perfect long-term replacement for the England international.
There are a number of benefits in signing Nemanja Matic for Manchester United. The Serbian has experience of playing at the very top level and he will definitely add some depth and quality to the United midfield. Also, with both Matic and Herrera in the team, Pogba will be given the license to bomb forward and wreak havoc against opposing defences making this £40 million deal looking like a bargain in the end.
Many reputed publications are claiming that a medical will be completed soon and it looks like Matic will be following the footsteps of Juan Mata in making a move from Chelsea to Manchester United.
#1 Alvaro Morata
Manchester United are on the lookout for more firepower and Alvaro Morata is on the lookout for more playing time. Even at first glance, Manchester United and Morata look like a match made in heaven. Both the Spaniard and the Europa League champions are extremely keen on the move to happen and the only reason why the move has not been finalised yet is the £65 million demanded by Real Madrid.
However, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic gone and the futures of Martial and Wayne Rooney uncertain, United will more likely than not meet Real Madrid’s asking price and a move could be be finalised in the coming days. There have been plenty of signs that Morata could be on his way to Manchester United.
First, the 24-year-old himself liked a couple of posts on social media about Manchester United. As if that was not enough, the forward’s wife also started following Manchester United on Instagram and United fans will be praying that Ed Woodward gets this particular transfer across the line.
