After spending over $200 million on their midfield and attack last summer, Manchester United are reportedly looking to address their defensive issues.
That is according to British newspaper The Independent, who claim that United are set to splash over $160 million on three new defenders during the summer transfer window.
The report links United with Uruguay and Atletico Madrid center back Diego Godin, Germany and Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels, plus Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Bilbao and Nathaniel Clyne of Southampton.
With several injury issues in defense throughout the season, Louis van Gaal has had to use youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett, plus midfielders Michael Carrick and Daley Blind at center back as the likes of Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones have all been out injured for various spells.
Take this report with a pinch of salt, however it is understandable that United would want to bolster their top-heavy squad.
With Hummels’ Dortmund struggling at the foot of the Bundesliga and Godin perhaps ready to move on from Atletico after scoring the tittle-winning goal against Barcelona last term, both would be additions of the highest quality at center back. Their arrival, plus that of promising Frenchman Laporte and Saints’ England international right back Clyne, will likely hinge on the Red Devils qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season. Right now, that’s looking pretty good.
If United finish in the top four of the Premier League this campaign, expect another huge spending spree next summer to make LVG’s squad even stronger. Will these four defenders be at the top of his wishlist?
