by Hassan Khan
Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal looks set to miss out on Juventus Midfielder Arturo Vidal and may have to set his eyes on other alternatives. Vidal was the top target for the club as they look to put an end to their pursuit of a box to box midfielder, however Juventus’ asking price of above £40 million may be a price too high for a player who is already 27 and has a history of injury problems. With Van Gaal being given an immense transfer budget, here is a list of 5 similar players who could fit the vital role required at Manchester United.
First up is Alex Song, the former Arsenal midfielder is now looking on from the bench at Barcelona and it seems the player is more than happy to consider a move to Old Trafford. Song, who is 26 years old has the stamina and ability to help out the defence as well as attack and pass forward to create chances and should cost United no more than £25 million.
A second option is 24 year old Dutch left back Daley Blind who played a key role in Van Gaal’s World Cup squad. Blind can play a number of roles including centre back, defensive midfield and as a winger. Daley Blind will be a much cheaper purchase and his versatility could prove crucial as the departures of Patrice Evra and Alex Buttner leave United with just Luke Shaw as a left back. Blind has publicly stated he would consider a move to Old Trafford and his relationship with Van Gaal could make his decision much easier.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is also a realistic option for United as the German Midfielder may soon be losing his first team place at Bayern Munich. Schweinsteiger is currently 30 and has the experience to play smart, attacking football as well as the confidence to take risks on the pitch. Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola may be willing to let Schweinsteiger go for anything above £12 million as his age will play a huge factor in this transfer.
Fourthly, Van Gaal could look to bring in Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder who also played a vital role in his World Cup squad. Sneijder, who is currently at Galatasary has been linked with United several times over the years and would relish the opportunity to work with Van Gaal again. However the only issue may be his price tag as Galatasary won’t let him leave for under £17 million which may be a price too high for the 30 year old.
Lastly, the fifth option for Van Gaal is Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira who looks set the leave the Bernabeu due to a lack of first team football and the arrival of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez will almost certainly convince him to depart. Khedira is a great option for United having just won the world cup he will be relishing a new challenge, though it seems United face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea who are also interested in the German midfielder who may join the highest bidder. At 27 years old, Khedira matches Vidal’s age and a cheaper value should persuade United to make a move.
