Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic announced yesterday that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has spent eight glorious years at Old Trafford and insisted he has no intention of joining any other Premier League club, out of respect for United.
His long time defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, is also likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, and David Moyes will surely be primed to delve into the summer transfer market to sign a top, top central defender.
Here is a list of five potential candidates, who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford recently, and could fill the defensive void at the club
Ezequiel Garay
The Argentine has been linked with Manchester United since the time Vasco da Gama discovered the Indian islands! The rumours have been regurgitated over and over these last few years and arguably won’t stop until he arrives in Manchester!
A class player with bags of experience, a decent footballing brain, and an eye for a pass – just the what Moyes is looking for.
Eliaquim Mangala
The Porto defender has been linked with several Premier League clubs these last few months, including Manchester United. However, it is fierce rivals City who showed a greater desire to sign him in the January transfer window.
Recent reports suggest that David Moyes hasn’t given up on him yet, but will need to cough up at least £35m for the 22-year-old.
Mats Hummels
The German international has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world, and United will have to break the bank to sign the Borussia Dortmund superstar.
He has outstanding ball control and is tactically very strong. He would be one hell of a signing, if Moyes can secure his signature.
Davide Astori
Moyes was on a scouting mission in Italy during the transfer window and observed Cagliari defender Davide Astori, according to reports. The 27-year-old is not a like-for-like replacement for Vidic, but could be a shrewd signing.
Dante
The Brazilian defender was one of the main transfer targets for Manchester United in the January transfer window, and although the move failed to materialize, Moyes could well go for him again in the summer, and it would make a lot of sense.
Not only he would be available for cheap, due his age, but the wealth of experience he possesses would be a valuable addition to the young defensive unit (Evans, Smalling & Jones) at Old Trafford.
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