Despite Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Everton that sees them move closer to a 19th league title (and Sir Alex Ferguson’s 12th Premier League title), fans have one eye on potential new recruits when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.
With Paul Scholes and the evergreen Ryan Giggs still having a part to play in the club’s future but not getting any younger and Owen Hargreaves crocked, Fergie will look to add some youthful exuberance to his midfield, with a number of transfer rumours turning into solid transfer targets.
The first and well publicised potential United target is Aston Villa’s Ashley Young. The ex-Watford winger has impressed over the last two seasons and is now seemingly a mainstay in the England team, wrestling the right wing jersey away from fellow speedster Aaron Lennon. With Gerard Houiller’s side having a difficult season and Young maturing as a player, it is only natural that the 25 year old will look to further his career and take the step up to a bigger club.
The Red Devils will not be alone in admiring Young’s qualities of speed, delivery and versatility, and Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for the England man. Young has reportedly delayed on signing a new contract at Villa Park, but won’t come cheap as a price tag of £25 million has been touted.
Everton’s Jack Rodwell is another player who has been making Premier League news headlines this season this year, with the 20 year old continuing to progress over the 2010/11 season at Goodison. The England under 21 midfielder has been primarily deployed as a holding player for David Moyes side, but the second half of the season has seen Rodwell make additional strides forward and add attacking impetus to his play. The Merseyside club are financially unstable and may look to cash in on their young starlet, with Manchester United the destination of choice for the future England international.
Borussia Dortmund have emulated the Champions League winning side of 1997 this season and taken the Bundesliga by storm with their attacking and enterprising brand of football; one of their key men Nuri Sahin has refused to comment on his future this week and is being linked with a move away from Signal Iduna Park. The 22 year old has scored six goals and set up nine with assists in his 30 games this season, and adds a guile and creativity to Die Borussen’s side.
The German born Turkey international has a deft left foot and with a reported release clause in his contract of only €6 million, Sahin could be one of the buys of the season if United can wrestle his signature away from Real Madrid and Inter.
The three players all bring contrasting qualities to the table, and Young’s speed, Rodwell’s energy and Sahin’s passing are sure to be in big demand come June. All would fit in well at Old Trafford, but the most likely recruit is Rodwell as he has all the raw attributes to be a top player given time and direction at Carrington.
