Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets

Leighton Baines It seems more and more likely that the Red Devils will sign Leighton Baines this summer. Patrice Evra's form dipped last term and the Frenchman isn't getting any younger. The Everton left-back had been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time and would provide a quality replacement for Evra and cover for the back line. The England international provides quality free-kicks, and in the 2011/2012 season displayed his eye for a goal, netting five times for the Toffees. The 27-year-old was statistically the fourth best crosser in the Premier League last term with an average of two accurate crosses per game, which is 0.3 more than Antonio Valencia (United's most accurate crosser). For all those reason's Baines is a hot target for United.

Jordi Alba Jordi Alba is another potential replacement for the ageing Evra. The Valencia full-back put in some fantastic displays last season, forcing his way into the Spanish national set-up. Reports suggest Ferguson may look for a cash-plus-player deal involving Anderson in an attempt to try and steal the Spaniard away from Valencia at an affordable price. At 23-years-old, Alba would be able to serve the club for years to come.

Mats Hummels Mats Hummels has performed exceptionally for Borussia Dortmund in the last couple of seasons. The German outfit have won back-to-back Bundesliga titles, a feat owing much to their rock at the back. The German international has clearly proved himself as a solid centre-half, and with Rio Ferdinand seemingly past his best, Hummels is a potential replacement at centre-back. Valued at £30m, the 23-year-old has intimated he's happy in Dortmund, but could yet be tempted to join his former team-mate Shinji Kagawa.

Nicolas Gaitan Benefica's 24-year-old midfielder Nicolas Gaitan is a possible target for Manchester United according to reports. United need to shore up their midfield with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs on the brink of retirement and the future of Darren Fletcher uncertain. The winger is said to have impressed Ferguson when Benfica played United in last season's Champions league. According to the player's agent, if Gaitan moves this summer, it will be to Manchester United. However, the Argentine's 45m release clause will likely be considered too steep by United.

Kevin Strootman Fergie could be lining up a move for midfield enforcer Kevin Strootman. The Dutchman has flatteringly been labeled the 'new Roy Keane' by some due to his combative style, and with Darren Fletcher's future at the club uncertain and numerous injury prone players in the current United squad, Strootman may just be what Ferguson needs to shore up the midfield. The PSV star was a member of the Netherlands squad for the 2012 Euros, but his position at Eindhoven may be under threat with the return of fellow countryman Mark van Bommel. United are reportedly ready to pounce on the £14m valued 22-year-old.

Luka Modric The Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is another possible option for Ferguson, with the Croatia being able to provide some much needed creative genius in the midfield. The 26-year-old Croatian looks likely to move from White Hart Lane after Euro 2012, especially following Harry Redknapp's exit. Despite the signing of Kagawa, United fans are still in search of a big name signing this summer. Modric scored six goals from midfield last term and was the mastermind behind Spurs' flowing attacks. A move to Old Trafford looks highly possible, and would be an enormous addition to Sir Alex's squad.

Javi Martinez Javi Martinez is reported to be another target of United's, potentially joining for something in the region of £30m - a huge increase from the 6m Athletic Bilbao paid for him from Osasuna. Martinez is a commanding figure in the centre of the midfield who is equally as gifted at breaking down attacks as he is creating them. The Spanish internatioanl helped Bilbao reach the Copa del Rey final in 2010, in the same year he was also awarded the 'Breakthrough Player of the Year' in La Liga. In 2011 he led the Spanish under-21s side to glory at the European Championships with a series of commanding performances. The 23-year-old would be a strong addition to United's ageing midfield.

Iker Muniain Another Athletico Bilbao target linked with Old Trafford is 19-year-old Iker Muniain. The youngster caught Sir Alex's eye after he played an integral role in knocking United out of the Europa League. The winger scored in the first-leg victory over the Red Devils, and further impressed in the return match. It is thought Muniain would cost United £29.5m.

Oscar de Marcos Oscar de Marcos, 23, is yet another midfielder hailing from Bilbao and is viewed as a potential replacement for Paul Scholes. The exciting young midfielder, like his team-mates, impressed Ferguson when his side knocked United out of the Europa League in March. Ferguson reportedly sent his chief scout Jim Lawlor to keep a close eye on the creative talent in his remaining Europa matches. However his buy-out clause means it will be costly to prize him away from the San Mames at around £25m.

James Rodriguez United are allegedly contemplating a move for James Rodriguez of FC Porto in a deal worth around £25m. The exciting young Colombia talent has been dubbed 'the new Cristiano Ronaldo' and has already revealed he would be unable to resist a move to Old Trafford. United may help fund the move by selling former Porto midfielder Anderson. The 20-year-old was a crucial part of Porto's title winning side last term and at such a young age, would represent an investment for the future.

Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva - or simply just 'Lucas' - is one of Brazil's next young superstars and United have reportedly been showing signs of interest in this 19-year-old attacking midfielder from Sao Paulo. Lucas scored nine times in 29 appearances last term for his club and claimed four assists. The youngster has earned 10 full caps for Brazil and scored one goal, he was also voted the best player when Brazil won the South American Youth Championships in 2011. Lucas is an exciting talent who would provide attacking flair at any club he joined. Another pricey one though as Sao Paulo have slapped a £40m price tag on him.

Axel Witsel Manchester United have been keeping tabs on the Belgian midfield player Axel Witsel for some time now if reports are to be believed. He has impressed onlookers with his displays for Benfica, including a decent performance against United in the Champions League. At 6ft 1in his physical prowess would live up to the rigors of the Premier League should he make the switch. His versatility would appease Ferguson, at times last season lining up at right back and right midfield, as well as his preferred role in the centre of the park. Valued at around £20m.

Giuseppe Rossi Giuseppe Rossi has been linked with a possible return to Old Trafford. The 25-year-old was never able to fully break into the United team during him time there and left for Villareal in 2007. Since moving to Spain he's impressed, scoring 35 goals during the 2010/2011 season, but after last season was ravaged by injury, Villareal are reportedly willing to move him on. The Italian has said he would consider a move away from the Yellow Submarine but only to one of the world's best clubs.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be available for as little as £17m after Schalke general manager Horst Heldt confirmed the striker has a buy-out clause. Huntelaar was on fantastic form last season in the Bundesliga, scoring 29 goals in 32 matches, with 40 in all competitions. Clubs have been alerted since his agent revealed the buyout clause. "Huntelaar does have a 20m buyout clause, and the rich club can afford it," he said. Huntelaar has delayed contract talks with Shalke until after Euro 2012, leaving his options open for a potential move away. The clinical finisher would be a welcome asset to Fergie's attack - with Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen both moving on.

Robert Lewandowski Ferguson is reportedly close to a deal with Borussia Dortmund for Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international has been in incredible form over the past 12 months; The 23-year-old netted a hat-trick in Dortmund's impressive 5-2 domestic cup final win over Bayern Munich, was named the Bundesliga Player of the Season and scored the opening goal of Euro 2012. His agent Maik Barthel was quoted last month as saying: "The [contract] offer from Dortmund is not enough and I can confirm there is interest from Manchester United."