Manchester United who have been adamant on further strengthening their defensive lines have initiated talks with other Premier League sides with the view of making new purchases in the January transfer window. The Red Devils have initiated talks over two the possibility of signing two new right backs to replace the out of favour Rafael. The topic of purchasing a new right back is expected to be of top priority and Everton’s 26 year old Seamus Coleman and Southampton’s 23 year old Nathaniel Clyne, both are top candidates.
The Dutch manager, who has already spent more than £156 million since the end of last summer, wants to ensure that the Red Devils qualify for next year’s Champions League football. Though the Manchester side has set a priority to sign a central defender in the summer, the need for a right back is to avoid any easy slip-ups, towards the end of the season.
Also, apart from Coleman, Clyne has also impressed with Southampton this season, who have been the surprise package and are currently in third position. After making his England debut, the 23 year old is now his country’s first choice and wanted by many big clubs too. Van Gaal will also focus adding more quality to his central defence too in the summer, with Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels expected to be lured into a deal. If a deal does not work out for the German World Cup winner, Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes could be the next option, with United also scouting Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk for a possible move to Old Trafford.