Manchester United have been linked with several players for the January transfer window – let’s see who they are and whether there is any serious chance of United landing these players.
Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich) – Still recovering, and will not play till the end of January. Bayern have whined and bitched about United’s interest in Hargreaves, but the fact is that they can use that money to buy new players, and the way they’re going in the Bundesliga they might just decide to cash in. It would be interesting though, to see who they buy, as they need reinforcements in the midfield as well as up front.
Chances: 50/50.
Henrik Larsson (Helsinborg) – Already signed for 12-14 weeks. Could be a master-stroke, could be crap, depending on how well he adapts to his role as an impact player. He should be 4th choice behind Saha, Rooney and Solskjaer, but it will all depend on how well he does in training (he’ll be training with United till Christmas, before going back home and returing on the 1st) and injuries to the 3 strikers ahead of him. Contract extension? I seriously doubt it, and even if it happens it will only be till the end of May.
Chances: Confirmed.
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid) – He’s being touted by many as THE striking future for Manchester United, but I’m not so sure. At any rate, Manchester United’s chances of signing him this January are very slim, which leaves him open to a potential move by Chelsea, if they were so inclined. Manchester United could still move for him next summer, but there are other, cheaper targets also available.
Chances: Unlikely.
Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen) – Ok, so I’m the one who started this rumour, and yes, he’s not going anywhere till next season, but he deserves a mention because his name will pop up a lot in January. And I started this rumour 🙂
Chances: Not happening.
Antonio Puerta (Sevilla) – The media have linked him with Manchester United, but in truth, like Klose and Ribery he has more of a chance of going to Arsenal than United.
Chances: Unlikely.
Rio Mavuba (Bordeaux) – Don’t know why he’s linked with Manchester United – this is not the next Essien or Diarra, and that’s the sort of player Ferguson is looking for.
Chances: Unlikely.
Manuel Fernandes (Portsmouth) – Not exactly ‘proven’, and because of that I doubt Ferguson will move for him.
Chances: Unlikely.
Nani (Sporting Lisbon) – If Manchester United want to move for him, January is the time. Not enough news about him, but this is one player United could move for.
Chances: 50/50.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Ajax) – A more likely target than Torres, although he will undoubtedly be chased by Arsenal as well. United’s best bet would be to bring him in now, in January, and then we’ll know by May if we need to bring in Torres or not.
Chances: 50/50.
Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham) – We would have gone for him last season if we wanted to, so no, no Defoe.
Chances: Not happening.
Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham) – Like Parker and Nolan, Reo-Coker is the sort of player who wouldn’t be satisfied with just sitting on the bench, nor is he a direct replacement for Scholes either, plus Arsenal are rumoured to be more interested.
Chances: Unlikely.
Pirlo (AC Milan) – He’s fallen off the radar for United fans, but with Milan in doldrums, he could be one of the first casualties. Imagine Hargreaves and Pirlo running United’s midfield, with Carrick as backup. Chilling.
Chances: Not happening (fun to dream though).
David Trezeguet (Juventus) – Would have been a stupid buy in the summer, would be a stupid buy in the future.
Chances: Not happening.
What do you guys think? Is this list complete, or am I missing anyone? And what are the chances of United signing any of these players?
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