Barcelona look to be out of the race to sign Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina, with Dani Alves’ wages proving too high for potential buying clubs.

Cuadrado had an excellent season in Serie A last term and would greatly improve Man United’s wide positions. Louis van Gaal has already hinted that he may need to invest on a new winger, and Cuadrado would certainly fit the bill.

Fiorentina are likely to demand a fee in the region of €40 million for the Colombian, but United have made their financial strength well known this summer and should be able to put together a deal to land the winger.

In the event United land Cuadrado this summer, here are six players who could follow the Colombian to Old Trafford.

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Angel Di Maria

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Angel Di Maria

Angel di Maria

Angel Di Maria to PSG is off – for now at least. The Argentine was deemed too expensive for the French champions, who have thus far struggled to clear their decks and make room for the Real Madrid winger.

It means Man United have been given a clear run at the player, who they have been said to be tracking for much of the transfer window.

Though Ashley Young put in a number of good performances for United during pre-season, Di Maria is quite a step up in quality from those currently available to Louis van Gaal. The problem, however, will be in the price. But if United can convince Real to lower their asking fee, the Argentine would be a fantastic signing at Old Trafford.

Edinson Cavani

Cavani 1

It’s starting to get a little boring now, but Edinson Cavani’s future is still unclear, with conflicting reports emerging about his happiness at PSG and the club’s intention to sell. With clubs around Europe said to be interested, there has to be something in the rumours of an impending transfer.

But despite being well-stocked for numbers in attack, Man United would greatly strengthen their title bid with the signing of Cavani, who can play through the middle or out wide.

With the club able to focus solely on domestic competitions, adding Cavani could see United as runaway favourites for the Premier League title.

Ron Vlaar

Ron Vlaar

Ron Vlaar is the least glamorous name on this list, but with Man United having missed out on Thomas Vermaelen, and still being in need of at least one centre-back, Ron Vlaar may prove to be a fallback option.

Louis van Gaal knows Vlaar well from his time as Netherlands boss, with the Aston Villa centre-back featuring regularly at the World Cup. Vlaar knows the system van Gaal is likely to employ at Old Trafford this season, and his signing, though far from spectacular, would make a lot of sense.

If United can bring in another centre-back with a higher reputation in Europe, Vlaar would prove to be a good buy as the cheaper, low-key addition.

Arturo Vidal

Vidal

Juventus are said to be standing firm in an attempt to keep hold of Arturo Vidal this summer, but Manchester United keep knocking on the door.

Vidal is seen as the missing piece of the puzzle at Old Trafford following the signing of Ander Herrera earlier in the window. Vidal, widely considered one of the best midfielders in the world, would add the defensive steel desperately lacking in the United team, as well as goals at the other end of the pitch.

Juventus, for now, have no need to sell, unless they’re looking to raise funds for another major signing. The only thing that will tempt them is a mammoth offer from United.

Fredy Guarin

Fredy Guarin

Fredy Guarin has long been targeted by Manchester United, and the Colombian is once again said to be available from Inter Milan, who attempted to move the midfielder on to Juventus last January in a swap deal involving Mirko Vucinic.

Guarin may be seen as an alternative option to Vidal, one who would cost a fraction of the Chilean’s fee. Guarin, while good, may be seen as an underwhelming signing at United. The key, though, is that the club are attempting to add the midfield, which looks set to be light of numbers, with both Marouane Fellaini and Tom Cleverley linked with moves away.

Daley Blind

Daley Blind

 

Daley Blind was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during the World Cup, but interest in the Dutchman has died down somewhat in recent weeks.

However, Blind may prove to be one of the better options on the market for United this summer. The Ajax left-back would add to the full-back position at Old Trafford, while also being able to fill in at holding midfield. If United fail in their attempts to land Vidal, Blind would prove to be an exciting alternative, having been one of the best performers in Holland last season.