Louis van Gaal will continue with his big-spending ‘galacticos’ transfer policy this summer as Manchester United prepare to go big in their search for title glory.
And the Dutchman will focus his attentions on landing proven international talent, rather than high-risk, big-money youngsters that have become a feature of the club’s transfer policy in recent seasons.
United spent close to £150million on the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria last summer — deals that have not gone as well as expected. Nevertheless, as long as United qualify for next season’s Champions League, the Old Trafford money-men will sanction another £100m-plus transfer splurge to help turn the club into realistic title contenders next season.
And Van Gaal will continue to focus his attention on high-profile deals, rather than unproven potential, despite having his fingers burned by Falcao and Di Maria.
Borussia Dortmund defender and World Cup winner Mats Hummels, 26, is a prime target, as is Holland winger Memphis Depay.
Juventus star Paul Pogba, who spent three years at Old Trafford before moving to Serie A and establishing himself as one of the world’s best box-to-box midfielders, is also on United’s radar.
United have a long-standing interest in Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, 25, but a serious knee injury has thrown a potential move to Old Trafford into doubt. Van Gaal has a major interest in Gareth Bale, but the Wales international wants to stay at Real Madrid, as Sportsmail revealed.
Porto right back Danilo, who is valued at £30m, is a target as Van Gaal looks for a top right-sided defender.
But the Brazil international is set for a move to Real, so United will likely turn their focus to England right back Nathaniel Clyne or Barcelona star Dani Alves.
This illustrious list of players indicates the calibre of player United are intent on signing this summer as they look to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite.
A string of expensive young signings have not progressed as expected, a failure not unnoticed by Van Gaal. And the Dutchman wants to avoid similar mistakes this summer.
The £15m capture of Wilfried Zaha in January 2013 proved a disaster, while the signings of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, for a combined £26m, have also been questioned. The jury is still out on Luke Shaw, who cost £27m last summer. – Daily Mail