5 transfer targets for Manchester United to consider in January

After 15 matches, Manchester United are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are within touching distance of current leaders Leicester City. Louis van Gaal’s side have endured plenty of criticism for their style of play this season but continue to pick up positive results and are seen as a value option for the title.

With a few signings in January, the Red Devils could get their hands on the top flight trophy for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure. Here are a few players who they should consider moving for next month.

Nolito

Not the household name that United fans will be hoping for but the Spaniard could be the man to inject some pace into the attack. The Celta Vigo winger has attracted plenty of attention from Spain’s biggest clubs this season after scoring eight goals and recording four assists in 13 league games so far.

If he continues to shine in the next two weeks before the Christmas break, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Van Gaal move for the 29-year-old in January – although his age may be of some concern to the Old Trafford faithful as he has very little experience outside of La Liga.

Sadio Mane

United were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Mane last season and the Red Devils could turn to the Southampton star again next month after an impressive start to the campaign. Mane is incredibly talented and his versatility will appeal to Van Gaal’s nature.

If United can tempt him away from St. Marys, it will be a huge scalp for the club as they bid to hold off the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool for his signature. So far this season, Mane has scored three and assisted five goals – not a bad haul considering Southampton’s lowly league position.

Felipe Anderson

The Lazio star is at the top of his game and has attracted attention from plenty of clubs across the continent. In the 2014-15 campaign, Anderson scored ten and assisted a further seven in his breakout season – and he’s continued in the same vein throughout the early stages of 2015-16.

However, his fitness is a major worry. He rarely completes 90 minutes in Serie A and might struggle to cope with the added demands of Premier League football. Furthermore, he has a buyout clause of £57 million – which might persuade the Old Trafford hierarchy to look elsewhere as they seek to add a few additional pieces to their squad.

Riyad Mahrez

The Leicester City winger has been one of the standout performers this season and has been linked with a moves to the likes of AC Milan and Arsenal throughout the last few weeks. Mahrez has been sensational at the start of the campaign and netted a hat-trick against Swansea City on Saturday – the first of his career.

If he avoids an injury in the busy festive period, Mahrez may be the most realistic target in January. The Foxes won’t let him go easily but money talks and if United are willing to cough up enough to tempt Leicester, the player may push for a move to Old Trafford.

Breel Embolo

Yet another relatively unknown name, Breel Embolo is a top, attacking prospect. At just 18 years old, he has plenty of years ahead of him but is shining for Basel this season. He netted ten goals in 26 matches last campaign and has already scored four goals in 2015-16. If he continues to impress, he will surely get snapped up by one of Europe’s top clubs.
United should act now to ensure they manage to sign Embolo. According to reports, the club recently sent scouts to watch the Basel forward and his performance may have tempted the Red Devils to move for him in the transfer market. Embolo won’t cost much and could form a deadly duo with Anthony Martial in the future – what’s the catch?!