Louis van Gaal's 5 potential January transfer targets

The New Year is here, and it brings us to the favorite time of the season – The Transfer Window!Time and again, all we fans with opinions (everyone) become transfer market experts and want the best players to make it to the team sheet. It’s our very own fantasy time!This window has historically never been big on major signings, but the past few seasons have brought in a few surprises that lead us to believe anything is possible come January. (Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge amongst many others)LVG still hasn’t strengthened his defence the way he would like. There is that one main leader missing so far which is a slot he would want to fill in immediately. A good strong centre half who can also guide and lead the younger crop of players. The average age of United’s defense is currently 22 – and inexperienced to be honest.The current Van Gaal midfield has Carrick, Rooney, Fellaini, Herrera, Blind, Fletcher and Mata with each playing different roles depending on their selection. But what the gaffer lacks is that strong aggressive box to box midfielder who breaks play, controls the pace of the game and puts in those deadly long balls. While the current crop of players are good, let’s face it, they are not equipped to face the best in Europe.As Louis Van Gaal assesses his team performance from the last 6 months, there will be a few areas he would wish to strengthen to maintain his Top 4 position in the League and prepare for going against the big guns in the Champions League next season. Here are 5 players he would absolutely love to have.

#1 Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

The ever reliable centre-half from Germany has been in transfer speculation ever since he returned from a World Cup winning campaign. He was also named as one of the nominees for FIFA’s Golden Ball. The 26-year-old is being seriously looked at by the Woodward management as a suitable replacement for Vidic. Dortmund’s massacre of a campaign has only re-ignited his potential move.

Rumoured to be available for 35 million pounds, Hummels would be the perfect partner to a defender to who attacks the ball, similar to how Vidic and Ferdinand worked during their successful time. He would play the role to perfection sitting in as the last man in the defence. His ability to score from set plays are a bigger bonus.

Currently, the captain of Dortmund still looks like he will stay till the summer trying to salvage their season.

#2 Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)

Tough, Strong, Dependable and the fact that Van Gaal loves him only increase speculation of his move. Lead the Netherland defense to 3rd place during the World Cup in Brazil and many believed he was to be picked up by a big club which did not happen. He understands Van Gaals philosophy and is used in the centre of the back three that the gaffer loves. Such was the impact of this philosophy, Netherlands conceeded just four goals from open play during their entire campaign which included opponents like Spain, Chile and Argentina. Vlaar was given much credit for their outstanding defensive display.

The 29 year old continues to Captain the Premier League mid tabled Aston Villa and recently shone during Manchester Uniteds visit, keeping the strikers in check and breaking their run of 6 wins. He may be avaliable for 4 million pounds, and would surely want to show his talent amongst the best in Europe.

#3 Kevin Strootman (Roma)

Another Dutch favorite, who because of an injury could not represent his country during the World Cup. He has openly spoken about his admiration for Van Gaal and his wish to work together. Understands the philosophy well and fits in the system perfectly. His knee injury kept him out for almost 9 months of his peak and he will now be itching to make a significant comeback.

His best qualities are that he is a hard working box to box midfielder, has decent pace and an incredible left foot, which makes him a delight to watch on song. He’s also surprisingly nimble footed for such a well structured player. Just 24 years of age, he definitely has his best years ahead of him. He sure does have the potential to become one of the best midfielders of his time if he plays consistently.

#4 Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

The Chilean midfield maestro was one of the favorites to make his way to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window but talks dint move forward apparently due to his battling knee injury. He had a successful World Cup campaign helping his team reach the round of 16 including an upset against defending champions Spain. Currently shares midfield duties with Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.

A tough hard presser in defense with great physical strength makes him a perfect fit in the Premier League. His ability to break play and switch defence to attack is regarded as his biggest asset. He is flexible to play in multple positions in central midfield which is a feature LVG loves.

Rumoured to be avaliable at 45 million pounds, Vidal is one of the most exciting midfield players in the world today and at 27 years old he will only get better.

#5 Ilkay Gundhogan (Borussia Dortmund)

Another player from the fallen German club who would relish a fresh challenge; This Turkish rooted German midfielder has all the right qualities to be a Van Gaal player. Young, hardworking, runs box to box and can play in more than one position. Apart from being technically gifted, his abilitiy to circulate the ball from central midfield make him a huge asset.

Injuries have been his downfall time and again, and has slowed down his growth. Has not made his mark as one of the big names as yet but one would feel his time has come. A team player who would definitely be an asset in United’s rebuilding plans. Speculation that he has refused to sign a renewal have alerted the scouts from Old Trafford.

Reported to be avaliable at 16 million pounds after Klopp wants to ensure he does not leave on a free transfer.