Manchester United's Top 5 January Transfer Targets

Will Tidey@willtideyX.com LogoSenior Manager, GlobalOctober 28, 2011

Manchester United's Top 5 January Transfer Targets

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    Will they buy or won't they? It's impossible to tell right now, but after Manchester United's 6-1 humiliation to "noisy neighbours" City last weekend, Reds fans are seriously hoping Sir Alex Ferguson goes bold in the January transfer window.

    Most agree United need midfield reinforcement. The central pairing of Anderson and Darren Fletcher offered precious little inspiration against City, while Tom Cleverley may still be a season or two away from the world-class player he promises to be in the long run.

    I'd argue United need both a defensive midfielder in the mould of Claude Makelele, and a creative midfielder in the mould of David Silva.

    Here are five players who've been linked to United in recent days, along with my reckoning on how likely the deal is to come to fruition, and what they'd add to Ferguson's squad.

1. Nicolas Gaitan

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    Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan has reportedly been scouted on numerous occasions by United, who may be readying an approach for January.

    The 23-year-old has just signed a new five-year-deal at the Portuguese club, but according to the Daily Telegraph there remains a £40 million buy-out clause. The Independent have it at £39 million.

    Do they need him? Gaitan was used on the left against United in the Champions League, but he's also adept at a playing a more central role. As a creative influence in behind Wayne Rooney, he would certainly add to United's attacking threat. Here's a clip of him in action.

    Will they get him? There seems a sense that a deal for Gaitan would most likely have to wait until next summer, whereupon it's certain they'll also be interest from other parties. That said, he'll be back at Old Trafford in November, where another strong performance could tempt United to go big in January. I'd give this one a 25 percent chance right now.

2. Wesley Sneijder

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    Speculation over a possible move for Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder dominated the United agenda this summer. The Dutch midfielder was one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup and would get in most people's World XI right now.

    Ultimately, Sneijder's contractual demands appear to have put United off, but according to the Daily Mail, the deal could be back on.

    Do they need him? Who wouldn't? Sneijder would offer United athleticism, experience and an attacking threat in the middle of the field. Check out this clip of his top 10 goals.

    Will they get him? The Daily Mail story suggests Inter want Lille's Eden Hazard. To fund the move they may well look to offload a senior player of two. That said, this is another one which would make a lot more sense to be done next summer. If Sneijder came in January, he'd be cup-tied for the Champions League. I'd put this one at 15 percent for January, 40 percent for next summer.

3. Jordan Rhodes

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    Hudderfield's 21-year-old striker Jordan Rhodes is definitely on United's radar. Paul Scholes was sent to scout him this week, and the suggestion is he could be available for around £5 million.

    Do they need him? As a long-term acquisition, Rhodes looks a good investment. But considering United already have Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen vying for the forward spots, I can't see Rhodes coming in January and chasing the course of their season.

    Will they get him? United have a good record of securing the best young talent playing England. If they're prepared to stump up the cash, Rhodes will be theirs. I'd put this one at 60 percent.

4. Neven Subotic

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    Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has been linked many times with United over the past year. He was also thought to be subject to strong interest from Chelsea and Liverpool over the summer.

    Here's a recent report suggesting United will go after the Serbian international in January, with a price tag of around £20 million being floated around.

    Do they need him? With Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand struggling to assert themselves, United could arguably use some defensive reinforcement. Ferguson clearly doesn't think Phil Jones is ready to play central defense in big games yet, so bringing in a player with experience at the highest level could be a wise move.

    Will it happen? I don't give this one much chance. Ferguson will look at his squad and see plenty of options for central defense. I'd say a 10 percent chance is optimistic for Subotic, who is another who wouldn't be available for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

5. Cheik Tiote

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    Defensive midfielder Cheik Tiote seems like an unlikely target, but this report is not alone in suggesting Manchester United are eyeing a move in January for the Newcastle player.

    Ivory Coast international Tiote has impressed in Newcastle's fine start to the season, and if sold on would make his club a healthy profit on the £3.5 million they paid FC Twente.

    Do they need him? An uncompromising central midfielder, who could shield the back four...he's exactly the type of player United need.

    Will they get him? We need to get some more reliable sources on this one before we know for sure United are keen. If they are, and the money is right, Newcastle might see it as an excellent piece of business. What's more, Tiote would be available for the Champions League. I'd give it 30 percent for January.

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