Five La Liga stars Manchester United should sign in January
With the January window coming up in about a months time, Louis van Gaal should already be planning some extra reinforcements for his Manchester United squad.
The club have already been linked with a host of players from a wide variety of different European leagues as their manager is still keen on bolstering all aspects of his formation.
So, instead of focusing on the whole of Europe, we take at look at five La Liga stars the Red Devils should sign to ensure them a top four finish…
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CLICK ON DANI ALVES TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Gerard Pique
Name: Gerard Pique
Age: 27
Position: Centre Back
Nationality: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Price: £20 – £25 million
Despite signing Gerard Pique from Barcelona and then selling them back, Manchester United are once again linked with a sensational move to re-sign him once again. The Spanish centre-back was part of the squad that pulled in ever major trophy during the Pep Guardiola years so his experience will be a priceless asset to Louis van Gaal.
However, he is seeing very limited playing time this season and at the age of 27, a player of his calibre will surely be keen for a more regular role at a top club. If United can negotiate a deal, he will definitely be the first name on the team sheet when Van Gaal selects his defenders.
Aymeric Laporte
Name: Aymeric Laporte
Age: 20
Position: Centre Back
Nationality: France
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Price: £25 – £30 million
Aymeric Laporte is current one of the most promising centre-backs in the world and although Louis van Gaal is looking for some experience in his very young back line, signing him will still be seen as a very good purchase.
Despite being only 20, he has started 11 out of 12 league games for his club and was also given four Champions League starts, proving to everyone that he does have what it takes. A possible link up with Phil Jones, Paddy McNair, and Tyler Blackett is surely not out of the question.
Alessio Cerci
Name: Alessio Cerci
Age: 27
Position: Attacking midfield (right)
Nationality: Italy
Club: Atletico Madrid
Price: £15 – £18 million
Alessio Cerci only joined Atletico Madrid during the summer, but has already fallen out of favour with Diego Simeone as he is said to be looking for a new club. He only featured in 80 minutes for his side out of 12 league matches as Louis van Gaal is believed to still be open for some attacking reinforcements.
Last season when he was still at Torino, he scored 13 goals and provided 10 assist in 35 starts, showing that he has enough experience to give Manchester United what they need. The La Liga side is also willing to sell him away without taking in any profits, promoting competition for his signature to rise.
Raphael Varane
Name: Raphael Varane
Age: 21
Position: Centre-back
Nationality: France
Club: Real Madrid
Price: £28 – £32 million
Raphael Varane is another centre-back which has huge potential to become one of the best defenders in the world. At only 21, he is already seen as a vital member of the France squad, even being named captain in his last few matches.
Although he has the world at his feet, he is still unable to break into the Real Madrid starting eleven with Carlo Ancelotti always picking the defensive pairing of Sergio Ramos and Pepe. Reports suggest Manchester United are already planning a £30million bid to make him their first choice centre-back.
Dani Alves
Name: Dani Alves
Age: 31
Position: Right-back
Nationality: Brazil
Club: Barcelona
Price: £5 – £8 million
Dani Alves is a player than is bound to give Manchester United another lethal outlet when attacking from the back as he is known for his ability to constantly cause problems down the right flank. He was a top target during the summer with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all interested in his services.
Louis van Gaal only has Rafael as his main right-back, meaning that if he can acquire Alves as his back-up, then he will have a very experience squad. In addition to that, if Van Gaal continues to use his 3-5-2 formation, the Brazilian star will fit perfectly in the wing-back slot.