The summer transfer window is looming large. With no World Cup or European Championships to keep football fans amused, the gossip, the ‘will he, won’t he?’ claims and the sightings of players at training grounds is likely to go into overdrive in just a few short months’ time.

Last year’s big spenders were Manchester United – the £150m lashed at new players was a record in a single window – and it looks likely that Louis van Gaal will do it all again. The Red Devils appear on course to get back into the Champions League and are backed heavily by a series of sponsors, meaning that they have the financial muscle to compete with any side, even with FFP now a reality.

But whom will they sign? Well, the Manchester Evening News have quizzed United fans to find the 50 players they want, with the likes of Harry Kane, Ross Barkley and even Ron Vlaar cropping up. But, here are the all-important top FIVE…

5) Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne

In at number five it’s Nathaniel Clyne. Not exactly a marquee name, United fans perhaps value his reliable performances and attacking intent, with right-back being a problem area at Old Trafford. The Saints man would certainly be an upgrade on Antonio Valencia and Rafael and could form an impressive ex-Southampton full-back combination with Luke Shaw…

4) Memphis Depay

Depay

Memphis Depay walks in in fourth. The PSV Eindhoven winger worked under Louis van Gaal at the World Cup last summer – netting two goals – and has well and truly built on that form this term. The winger has scored a staggering 17 goals in the Eredivisie, which looks likely to be enough to take the title to the Philips Stadion and end Ajax’s four-season winning streak.

3) Gareth Bale

Bale

The marquee man is in at number three. Gareth Bale would certainly be a headline-grabbing addition, with the world’s most expensive player a household name. The ex-Spurs man was the Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2012/13 before jetting off to sunny Spain, but recent issues off the pitch have led to talk that he could return after just two years.

2) Raphael Varane

Varane

The marquee man is in at number three. Gareth Bale would certainly be a headline-grabbing addition, with the world’s most expensive player a household name. The ex-Spurs man was the Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2012/13 before jetting off to sunny Spain, but recent issues off the pitch have led to talk that he could return after just two years.

1) Mats Hummels

Hummels

NUMBER ONE. Not really a shock here… it’s Mats Hummels. The Germany international has been the name United fans have been calling for for some time, with the Dortmund ace widely hailed as the best centre-back on the planet. He guided his nation to World Cup glory last summer and has long been the lynchpin in BVB’s impressive XI. Well, you heard them, Louis!