MANCHESTER UNITED are already drawing up a transfer shortlist ahead of the summer.
The Red Devils are two or three players short of challenging neighbours Man City at the top of the Premier League.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced to tighten the purse strings in the previous two transfer windows but is likely to make up for lost time at the end of the current campaign.
After failing in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho last summer, Solskjaer will still have a keen eye on landing an attacker.
United are also being linked with a new centre-back to partner Harry Maguire with their defensive frailties on show this season.
Here are the five priority summer transfer targets – starting from least important to most – as Solskjaer looks to bolster his squad.
5. David Alaba
United are in the eight-team race to land the Austrian superstar.
Alaba is leaving Bayern Munich for free at the end of the season and has plenty of suitors vying for his signature.
Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all interested.
But his wage demands, where he could become the Premier League’s best-paid player on £400,000-a-week, are likely to put the Red Devils off, putting at him at the bottom of the five-man transfer wish list.
David Alaba is leaving on a free transfer in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
4. Jadon Sancho
Man United refused to match Borussia Dortmund’s £108million asking-price in the summer.
The German side are unlikely to budge on that figure again and Solskjaer will need to weigh up whether other areas of his squad need improving first.
Solskjaer already has talent on the flanks including Mason Greenwood while new boy Amad Diallo is touted as one for the future – putting Sancho down the priority list.
Jadon Sancho has been a long-term target of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
3. Raphael Varane
Real Madrid have reportedly put their centre-back up for sale for £44m.
The Frenchman could be the missing link in Solskjaer’s defence, boasting the physical presence and leadership that United have been lacking.
Varane has 17-months left on his contract at the Bernabeu and Los Blancos may be forced to sell him at the end of the season.
However his wage demands could prove a stumbling block in negotiations.
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Real Madrid could be forced to cash in on Rapahel VaraneCredit: Rex Features
2. Jules Kounde
The Sevilla star is top of Solskjaer’s shortlist for defensive targets.
Rated at £60million, the 22-year-old is rated one of the best centre-backs in LaLiga this season.
His young age means Kounde is only going to improve and Solskjaer believes he can be a mainstay in the United side for years to come.
Jules Kounde remains Manchester United’s top target in defenceCredit: Rex Features
1. Erling Haaland
The superstar striker is the hottest prospect in football and there is no secret of Solskjaer’s admiration for his fellow countryman.
A new front man is an issue that the manager will need to address in the near future – making Haaland the top priority.
Edinson Cavani turns 35 on his next birthday while Anthony Martial has endured another difficult season in front of goal.
United could be forced to wait until 2022 when his £65million release clause comes into effect at Borussia Dortmund.
But they are likely to face fierce competition from Real Madrid.
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Erling Haaland should be a priority for Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Reuters
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
