A January foray in to the transfer market is not something we are accustomed to at United.  The last significant signings we made in that transfer window were Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in 2006.  After a slow start and poor performances from them both, Sir Alex was reluctant to bring in players mid-season again (Is it ironic they are two of our best players?!).  That's why I was pleasantly surprised then when I read that Sir Alex would like to spend this January but only if the price is right.  He rightly recognises the squad needs strengthening.  Its not so much depth we need but quality especially in the final third of the pitch.  The media is rife with speculation of who we will purchase. Here is a run down of some of our supposed transfer targets and the likelihood of them arriving at Old Trafford at the turn of the year.

David Silva/David Villa - We might as well start with these boys as they seem to be the most consistent transfer rumour.  Both are exactly what we need and I haven't heard of a United fan that would be against them signing on. The price tag is uncertain. £40 million for both would be a bargain but you are definitely looking at £20 million plus for each of them. The fact they can play in Europe is also a massive plus. Silva would be my preference out of them both; he is younger, can play out wide or off a front man and is the ideal replacement for Giggsy. Likelihood of transfer - Possible

Simon Kjaer - The young Danish centre back has impressed since making the breakthrough in 2007. Madrid bid for him in 2007 but it was rejected and he moved on to Palermo. The keen interest has remained and Liverpool, Juve, Chelsea are among the potential bidders. Fergie was at a recent function and was at the same table as the youngster where I'm sure his potential signing was discussed. He has made it no secret he wishes to play in England either. We seem pretty solid at the back but with Rio faltering, he would be a good buy.  Likelihood of transfer - Possible

Marek Hamsik - Or the new Nedved if you believe the hype. The Napoli midfielder has been on the radar of Europe's biggest clubs and it is unlikely he'll stay at Napoli for much longer.  He was their top scorer in his first two seasons. It is no secret we need some creativity in the middle of the park and he could provide it.  A transfer hasn't been reported but you are probably looking around £10 million. Likelihood of transfer - Possible

Angel Di Maria - The Benfica winger has shone recently and it hasn't gone unnoticed by the likes ourselves, City and Chelsea.  A £12 million bid was reportedly on the cards then City were rumoured to be interested and that fee jumped to £36 million. The reality is probably somewhere in the middle. He is a classy player and with nobody wanting to claim the left wing spot it is an area we need to strengthen. Likelihood of transfer - Unlikely

Edin Dzeko - The prolific Bosnian hitman is deadly in and around the box. He failed to shine against us in the Champions League but he is a top striker. He has proven his worth at International level and is still young enough to develop in to a world class striker at 23. £20 million plus could be the fee involved, a bit steep for a player who could only contribute domestically. He'll have lots of attention in the summer though, especially if Bosnia overcome Portugal and he shines at the World Cup. It could a shrewd purchase if we get in there quick. Likelihood of transfer - Unlikely

Carlton Cole - This ones a fairly new rumour and probably with little substance. To be fair he has shone with West Ham this season and last which has led him to be on the brink of going to the World Cup. He is a target man with plenty of skill on the floor as well. He has all the attributes of a great player but his goalscoring record isn't fantastic. Another £20 million is touted for his signature. I think that's more than expensive for a player who has no European experience and couldn't make the breakthrough at Chelsea. Likelihood of transfer - Very unlikely

Jack Rodwell - Another new rumour that surfaced in the past week or so. A £16 million bid could be on the cards for the talented youngster. We have already plundered the Toffees once for a young English star and Rodwell has the potential to be a great player. He has been touted as the new Rio (make your own mind as to whether that is good or not) but would probably figure in midfield for United. Purchasing in January would suggest we need a player to make an impact straight away. Would Rodwell do this? Likelihood of transfer - Unlikely

Philip Lahm - A rumour that seems to have been circulating for.... forever! A fantastic right back but it is hardly a position we need to strengthen with no less than 5 players competing for the spot. Lazy journalism has dragged this story back up.  Likelihood of transfer - Highly unlikely

Unsurprisingly there is plenty of targets and many more than just these selected players. In all probability it will be someone that has not been rumoured in the press that we will sign...if anyone. But if the price is right this January, it could be nice to see you to see you...

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