Despite the transfer window closing a couple of weeks ago, Manchester United have reportedly stayed busy in the transfer market, still trying to acquire Louis van Gaal’s fabled “fast and creative forward”.
Since the window closed, United have managed to secure David De Gea for a further 4 years, meaning that their prized keeper will not be leaving on a free in the summer and, they may be able to get a more respectable fee for the world class keeper.
According to reports, Manchester United representatives are continuing their pursuit of two of their summer targets, with the aim to bring them to Old Trafford in January.
One of these targets is Felipe Anderson, Lazio’s Brazilian left winger. At only 22 he’s seen to be a great prospect and fits the fast and creative criteria. He is currently valued at roughly £14 million, and as he’s not running low on his contract, he’ll most likely cost United £20 million, should they come to an agreement with the Italian side.
So far Anderson has 12 goals and 13 assists since swapping his home country for Lazio in 2013. But, he only has 1 cap for Brazil.
The second player that the Red Devils are following up on is Broussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus. The German primarily plays on the wing but is also a capable striker.
The big issue with Marco Reus, as talented as he is, is that he’s been suffering with some serious ankle problems over the last couple of seasons.
Since the 2013/14 season, Reus has spent 242 days injured. The main issues have been with his ankle as he’s: torn the ligament, ruptured the ligament, bruised it and cracked its interarticular ligament. He’s also been suffering with a toe injury this season.
He’s valued at about £31.5 million, has 9 goals in 25 games for Germany and also fits van Gaal’s need for a fast and creative forward. But Manchester United would most likely be looking at paying close £45 million to get him and then there’s the constant risk that his ankle injury will flare up again.
Manchester United had quite a successful summer filling gaps in midfield and at right back, whilst bringing in some very talented young players by the likes of Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay. But, they sold a lot of their strikers and didn’t replace them with proven, top class goal scorers.
