Following yet another underwhelming campaign in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, much change is expected at Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Indeed, although Louis van Gaal’s imposed style of football has received the majority of criticism, this Red Devils squad quite simply isn’t at the same standard as its Premier League rivals – particularly Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City – and could find itself set further apart next season unless drastic steps are taken.
But with the £8billion television deal coming in, United will have licence to spend like never before as they welcome Jose Mourinho (providing the relentless rumours prove true) to Old Trafford.
That could see the Carrington outfit turn to Serie A as a predominant recruitment pool. ‘The Special One’ knows the division well from his treble-winning spell with Inter Milan and although it’s no longer the footballing superpower of the 1980s and 1990s, there’s still plenty of talent on show between the Italian top flight’s biggest clubs.
With that in mind and the summer transfer window by no means as far away as it may seem, we take a look at FIVE Serie A stars reportedly on United’s radar.
PAULO DYBALA
Over the last two seasons, Paulo Dybala has emerged as one of the most exciting strike prospects in world football and his meteroic rise has not gone unnoticed by Manchester United.
Indeed, the Argentine assassin bagged 13 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances last term, earning a €40million move to Juventus in summer 2015, and has continued to impress with the Old Lady.
The 22-year-old is just two assists shy of matching that potent haul this season with ten games to spare and through his blend of speed, creativity and tenacious dribbling, has earned comparisons fellow Albiceleste stars Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi.
According to Calcio Mercato, United have already enquired into Dybala’s availability. But a key part of Massimo Allegri’s starting Xi and his long-term plans, convincing Juventus to sell this summer will require a gigantic fee.
CARLOS BACCA
Another Serie A frontman on Manchester United’s radar is AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca.
The Colombian international moved to the San Siro only last summer after firing Sevilla to consecutive Europa League titles, netting 49 times across two campaigns at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but his impressive form since has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Indeed, the 29-year-old has bagged 15 goals across all competitions this season, including 13 strikes in Serie A and a Rabona effort in the Coppa Italia. That may not be the most mesmerising return, but it adds to a strong scoring record that spans South American, Belgian, Spanish and now Italian football.
Stocky, speedy and unorthodox in style, Bacca seems like a decent fit for the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester United have been credited with interest since the turn of 2016, alongside Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but the striker’s age could stand in the way of a summer swoop.
Felipe Anderson
Depending on who you believe, Manchester United may have already agreed a £47million deal for long-term target Felipe Anderson.
Earlier this week, Lazio president Claudio Lotito reportedly told journalists that he’d sanctioned a summer move to Old Trafford but the club have since denied the quotes, claiming they’re “devoid of foundation.”
Nonetheless, the Red Devils are clearly keen on the young Brazilian, who boasts 16 goals in 69 Serie A appearances for the Stadio Olimpico outfit and would certainly address United’s abundant lack of penetrative pace from wide positions.
They launched a £36.7million bid last summer and are believed to have tried again in January. So even if there isn’t already a deal in place, we could see one materialise before the start of next season.
JOAO MIRANDA
Jose Mourinho is widely expected to take the Old Trafford hot seat before next season and according to Calcio Mercato, one of his first signings will be Inter Milan defender Joao Miranda.
Manchester United lack a consistent partner to Chris Smalling and although the Brazilian veteran might not exactly fall into the realms of world-class, he’s a highly experienced, highly athletic centre-back that Mourinho will feel comfortable depending on.
The 31-year-old is perhaps best-famed for his affluent spell at Atletico Madrid, claiming a La Liga title, a Europa League title and a Copa del Rey amid the Mattress Makers’ emergence as the top defensive side in European football, before moving to the San Siro on a two-year loan last summer.
He’s continued to show strong form in Serie A, featuring prominently for an Inter side who have conceded the third-fewest goals throughout the division, and Nerazzurri have a €11million obligation to buy.
But we’ve seen clubs manoeuvre around such deals before, especially when they’ve got the financial resources of Manchester United.
RADJA NAINGGOLAN
Chelsea and Manchester United look set for an almighty scrap in the transfer market this summer with both clubs reportedly targeting Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan.
The Belgium international is a well-rounded centre-mid, offering almost equal offensive and defensive qualities and blending them with fantastic industriousness and athleticism, and has been in good form this season, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.8 shots and 1.2 created chances per match.
The 27-year-old would certainly add some dynamism to United’s engine room and after three very consistent seasons at Roma, he seems ready to test himself at a higher level. Furthermore, Giallorossi acquired his full playing rights last summer, meaning the Red Devils won’t have to negotiate through complicated co-ownership agreements.
The tabloids rate Nainggolan at around the £20.5million mark but with the Premier League’s two biggest spenders both interested, that valuation could rise significantly.