Five Manchester United transfers to watch this January

02 January 2014 16:20

Another January transfer window dawns with the usual suspects cast into the mix of wantaways and wantobuys, but this January will have greater urgency for players eager to prove their worth to international managers with the World Cup approaching fast on the horizon.

Top of the list of clubs rumoured to be looking to strengthen their squads in the Premier League are Manchester United.

Several of the players in the mix are those that have been linked with moves away at previous transfer windows which for one reason or another failed to happen and below are five transfer rumours of note:

Koke

Regarded as the new Xavi in Spain, Koke is an adaptable midfielder who would certainly fit the bill for Man Utd. Koke is capable of playing in a multitude of positions. Koke, who according to ESPN.co.uk has a £16m release clause is a great all-round footballer being confident on the ball as well as being able in his defensive duties, something that will appeal to Moyes. According to The Metro a £25m bid is being prepared

In 17 La Liga appearances so far this season, Koke has returned nine assists and three goals - an efficiency rate of one goal/assist produced every 111 minutes. He has created 40 chances and completes 84% of his passes.Manchester United may well face competition from Chelsea for his signature who according to The Mirror may also be part of a swap deal for Courtois.

Antoine Griezmann

The 22-year-old Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann is certainly much in demand with rumours abound of interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and big-spending French champions PSG.

Griezmann is French but joined Spanish outfit Sociedad as a kid, graduating from their academy system. He is known for being athletic, highly skilful with a great left foot and having goal scoring ability. As a player with exceptional pace he likes to run at players and with the addition of great skill he is considered extremely difficult to defend against.

The Frenchman caught the attention of United when they played against them in the Champions League. According to The Mirror there is a £25m buy-out clause in his contract but United could still face a bidding war with PSG.

Ross Barkley

Rumours have abounded including this one from The Mirror that Manchester United have been plotting a £50m move for the Everton wonder kid which certainly has echoes of the move they made for Rooney back in the day.

Roberto Martinez has hit back recently at these persistent rumours with a firm “guarantee” that his talented midfield ace will not be going anywhere in January. The independent among others reported this stating that Leighton Baines was also not for sale.

Martinez has been bullish insisting that Barkley is not for sale at any price stating:

"Yes. Absolutely. There is not even a doubt.

"I have said it many times that in football you can't fight the trend of the game but what you can dictate is the timing and everything you do should be for the good of the club.

"We have done it (resist bids) before. Everything that happens needs to be to improve the squad, to give it a longer-term in relation to the strategy of the youth of the players and the blend you have with experience.

"That is based on football decisions and I can guarantee that will be the case in January 100 per cent.

"(Barkley) has a long-term contract. The first half of the season has been a real joy to see him grow and the second half of the season will be even better.

"There is nothing to comment on. The stability we have from a financial point of view allows us to make football decisions and this January window is important for us to make sure we kick on and finish stronger than we started."

Fabio Coentrao

The Portugese Left-Back has been linked before with Man United but the deal was not done in time and the player since has featured very little for Real Madrid due to injuries and being demoted to a back-up role behind Marcelo. The Portugal International will be keen to ensure he gets enough game time to be awarded a birth with the Portugese team at the Brazil World Cup.

Spurs are also looking for a left-back to fill in for the injured Jan Vertonghen so expect some competition in the Premier League for Coentrao. 


Ever Benega

The Argentine midfielder who currently plays his football with Valencia has been linked with a number of European clubs including Manchester United. The 25-year-old International has been Valencia’s most important player this season but if a big offer is presented they will likely be forced to sell due to debt problems at the club.

Manchester United are ready to spend £20m to secure the signature of the play-maker according to the Daily Star.

 

Source: DSG