Manchester United - Sir Alex Ferguson’s January Transfer Targets: Reina, Defour, Sneijder, Afellay
Fergie in Pepe Reina Bid
It has been reported in a British tabloid that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to sign the unsettled Pepe Reina for a fee in the region of £12 m.
The Red Devils have been linked with many keepers in the past but this is the first time that the Spaniard’s name has arisen. Reina is, without a doubt, one of the best keepers in the world. It is an open secret that he is not
happy with life at Anfield. He is set for a showdown with the club’s new owners, New England Sports Ventures (NESV), and may ask for a transfer. The current state of the club is thought to be a great concern for Reina – Liverpool is in the relegation spot
and it looks highly unlikely that they would now qualify for the Champions League Football.
The Red Devils’ current no. 1, Edwin van der Sar, turns forty on Friday and it is widely anticipated that the Dutch keeper will hang his boots at the end of this season. Ferguson considers him to be the best goalkeeper to have
played for the club since the Danish player Peter Schmeichel.
Steven Defour ready for United
Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour has reiterated his desire to take the next step in his career and join the Red Devils. Ferguson is believed to be quite an admirer of the young Belgian international for some time. The Scot
even sent the midfielder a letter of encouragement when the player broke his foot and remained sidelined for more than a year. The 22-year-old Belgian is a highly rated midfielder and is now close to full fitness.
Talking about his recovery, he said: "The pain is much less severe than it was at the beginning of the season. The pain will eventually disappear altogether, but I have to do my exercises every day and work hard."
About United’s interest, he added: "I know that Manchester United are monitoring me, but there hasn't been any contact."
United plot Sneijder bid in January
Wesley Sneijder, 27, is Fergie’s main target for the January transfer window, having been tracked by the Red Devils all summer. The Dutch international has previously stated that he is flattered by the interest from United and
it is believed that he would be open to a move if his contract talks with Inter Milan do not progress.
With Paul Scholes in the twilight of his career, Ferguson wants a goal-scoring midfielder to replace him sooner rather than later, and the Glazer Family has already committed £100m to improve the squad.
Sneijder’s contract will expire in 2013 and Rafael Benitez desperately wants his star player to extend his contract, otherwise San Siro could face the possibility of the Dutchman leaving the club. His current market value is estimated
to be around £30m, which would rise if the contract is extended, but that is not enough to put off the Red Devils.
United plan bid for out-of-contract Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay
Highly rated 24-year-old Dutch international PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder, Ibrahim Afellay, is being linked with United lately. His current contract is expiring in the summer, and all the big clubs are lining up for his signature.
The Utrecht-born player has been in excellent form this season and is somewhat responsible for PSV being at the top of the table. The stylish midfielder has already stated that his dream move would be to Old Trafford, which would
be welcome news for the United boss.
With lots of cash at hand and a somewhat poor start to the season, Ferguson would be looking to bring in quite a few changes to the squad. Players like Anderson and Michael Carrick are out of form and most likely to make way for
new players.
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