It is not all about inflated transfer fees in the off-season, sometimes clubs can pick up a player who is out of contract instead of paying a huge sum. Liverpool have already bought in Danny Ings and James Milner; and elsewhere Arsenal legend Abou Diaby is up for grabs as is that young Chelsea striker everyone is talking about, Didier Drogba.
So if Manchester United wanted to dip into the free agency, who is available?
NIGEL DE JONG, 30, Midfielder, AC Milan
A Premier League champion with Manchester City, De Jong has had a terrible season with AC Milan this year but did have a strong showing at the World Cup for Louis van Gaal’s Dutch side. He is also showing signs of putting his injury problems behind him and still has his famous crunching tackle style in his possession – making him perfect for the Premier League.
He was rumoured to be off to Manchester United anyway, with Ajax failing in their bid to secure his signature. Information regarding him has gone cold but obviously as the transfer window gathers pace, his name could be banded about more and more.
More from Red Devil Armada
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Manchester United break an unwanted record after Brighton loss
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
The defensive midfield area is somewhere that United need reinforcements, with Daley Blind and Michael Carrick the only recognised first team options for that role. He is extremely hard-working, which has led to a few disciplinary issues but he is not unique for that. Perhaps the infamous “kung-fu kick” on Xabi Alonso at the 2010 World Cup final is a blotch on his record.
In shirt, De Jong is seen as a pretty good fit and for no transfer fee, there really isn’t much in the way of anything bad. He works hard, he’s actually pretty quick and he has worked with Louis van Gaal before.
RON VLAAR, 30, Defender, Aston Villa
The big defender has been offered a new contract by Aston Villa but he has stalled, clearly holding out to see what offers come his way. He was heavily linked to United in both last summer and earlier this year in January so something could still happen.
Another Dutchman. Louis van Gaal of course is Dutch, and has already got three Dutch players in his Manchester United squad, all of them full internationals, and would probably like to have one or two more. Vlaar is a prime candidate, and if De Jong signs too then that makes Louis very happy.
Vlaar has said he wants to go a “step higher than Villa” which irked many of their supporters, but has drawn the sympathy of many neutrals. Here is a man who has been battling relegation for three seasons with trouble swirling around the team on and off the pitch. His international teammates are competing for and winning trophies, and he is sort of like the odd one out.
His stock may have fallen this season, having struggled with injuries and then being stripped of the captaincy combined with missing out on the FA Cup and finishing one above the relegation places, it has been a campaign to forget to Vlaar and gives a number of reasons as to why he has not yet signed a contract. United could be the team to rescue him.
MICAH RICHARDS, 26, Defender, Manchester City
Having been wasted at Manchester City, the English defender is a real athlete and a talented individual, who still has a lot to offer but nowhere to offer it. Having been released by Manchester City, he is available for any club and it would seem certain that he would be staying in the Premier League. Could that club be rivals Manchester United?
Built like a tank, Richards is a City youth-product, but has spent the season on loan at Fiorentina in a bid to restart his stalling career. Richards can play centre-back or full-back, using his potent combination of pure strength and speed to his advantage. Louis van Gaal loves versatility and Richards packs that.
He was a member of the Team GB football team at the 2012 London Olympics, but has not played for England since 2012 either. Since making his debut in 2006 he has amassed just 13 caps which I think is hugely underwhelming and he should have been given the chance to get many more. He is considered by some to be a “City legend” but the club have not been as kind as the fans may have been.
A move to United would surely benefit both parties, although just how much first team football he would be given is questionable, but he would be a solid addition nonetheless. It may also annoy City fans. Seeing one of the few City youth products, and a former club captain, wearing the red of Manchester United. Would he betray the club that ultimately betrayed him?
Perhaps an unlikely move but as always with the transfer window, you never know.