Manchester United transfer news: Who might be making the move to Old Trafford this summer?

Players linked with a move to the Premier League champions

Harry Foden
Wednesday 03 July 2013 12:08 BST
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Everton's Leighton Baines has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Everton's Leighton Baines has been linked with a move to Manchester United

A selection of players that could be making the move to Old Trafford this summer:

Robert Lewandowski:

Lewandowsksi's recent performances have attracted attention from major clubs across Europe. There are strong links with Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, however with Chelsea looking towards Edinson Cavani and Madrid believed to be after Luis Suarez, it leaves a battle between the Manchester rivals. Furthermore, Dortmund have refused to sell him to his dream destination Bayern Munich this summer. Ultimately, it depends on whether Rooney remains at the Theatre of Dreams.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

There is on-going talk of Ronaldo returning to United. Rumours increased when Ronaldo stated that he was not signing a contract extension for Madrid. His unbelievable record in Spain of over a goal a game has ignited talk of a return. In 2008, Ronaldo left for a world record fee of £80m and he could return for a similar fee, but media in Spain continue to say that he will see out his contract with the Spanish Giants.

Gareth Bale:

After winning several personal awards last season, Gareth Bale has been linked to major clubs such as Madrid, Barcelona and both Manchester clubs, but it is still not clear where he will be at the end of August. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas swears that he will keep him for this season at leas, while Spurs target Paulinho says that Bale is staying. Encouragingly for Man United, Bale is unlikely to move abroad as he has recently had a child but this will not prevent him from glory and the allure of the Champions League. It is a question of whether United will break the bank and if Spurs are willing to let him go.

Ezequiel Garay:

Garay impressed throughout last season for Benfica, his strength and pace has drawn attraction from United. Promisingly for United he has only been strongly reported with the Premier League champions. For a fee of around £10m he is affordable and it is likely that David Moyes will want to bring him to the club, though it was reported today that Garay looks to be staying with Benfica.

Marouane Fellaini:

There are strong links that Fellaini will follow Moyes from Goodison Park to Old Trafford. Despite Everton revealing that they will not sell him, United have reportedly bid £15m for the attacking midfielder. There are plenty of rumours that Fellaini wants to make the move, but it is only Everton who stand in the way.

Asmir Begovic:

The Bosnian goalkeeper has been among a substantial number of transfer rumours for the last year, having ran United’s David De Gea very close for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. However, interest is high as Chelsea have kept an interest in the shot-stopper as well as Arsenal. Liverpool are out the race as they completed the signing of Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet recently. United are favourites.

Leighton Baines

Like Fellaini, it is reported that Baines will follow Moyes move east. There has already been an official bid of £12m turned down by Everton as Roberto Martinez looks to keep his best players in order to reach his aim of Champions League football. Reports suggest that a higher bid may be enough for Everton to consider selling the England international.

Thiago Alcantara:

The young Barcelona player is seeking a move away from the Spanish Champions as has not had enough first-team football this season in the talent-rich Barca midfield. There is no doubt of his ability as he captained the U20 Spanish side to glory at the European Championships this summer, including a hat trick in the final. Chelsea have also been linked to the player but, again, United have the strongest chances of landing Thiago.

Christian Eriksen:

The young Dane received a lot of interest when Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm last summer but since then rumours of a move have died down. As United look to boost their midfield, Eriksen emerged as an initial target. A few reports suggest that he could be on his way for a fee of just over £20m, but it seems unlikely.

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