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Seemingly out of nowhere, Manchester United suddenly appears to be a true title challenger after an excellent run of form.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have won seven of their last nine Premier League games and are just three points behind their bitter rivals and leaders Liverpool, who have played one game less.
There seems to be a growing belief at Old Trafford that a first title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement could be on the cards.
But for that to happen, they may need to strengthen themselves in January and add more depth to the team.
Here are six players United is rumored to be targeting next month as they look to build a team capable of pushing Liverpool all the way …
Max Aarons (Norwich)
It was a surprise that right-back Max Aarons did not leave Norwich in the summer.
The 20-year-old was arguably the Canaries’ most impressive player last season despite his relegation, however despite being linked with several major clubs in the previous window they managed to retain him.
But United appear ready to test their resolve again in January and are reportedly preparing a £ 20 million offer for the England Under-21 international.
Aarons would provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and he could turn out to be a crafty signing if he goes well.
Renato Sanches (Lille)
Do you remember Renato Sanches?
The 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder was considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents at one point, but never reached his full potential at Bayern Munich or on a surprise loan out in Swansea.
Now, however, he is rediscovering his best form at French Lille, and is said to be attracting the attention of several elite clubs.
There are suggestions that United could fight Liverpool for his signing, and it remains to be seen whether either side will make an offer in the coming weeks, or indeed whether Lille will be willing to let him go.
Kieran Trippier (Atlético de Madrid)
Former Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier has impressed since moving to Atlético de Madrid last summer.
And if United do not get the Aarons, there is speculation that they could turn their attention to the England international, who could be tempted with a return to the Premier League.
One hurdle, however, is a recent 10-week global ban Trippier has received from the FA for violating betting regulations, and if he signs, he won’t be able to play until March.
For this reason, United may wait until summer before attacking the Bury-born defender.
Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)
In addition to the wing positions, United are also keen to strengthen themselves in the center of defense.
And one man they have been keeping an eye on for some time is RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano.
Solskjaer could not hide his admiration for the player ahead of his team’s game against the Bundesliga side in the Champions League earlier this season, admitting that he was looking forward to seeing the Frenchman “up close.”
However, Upamecano recently signed a new contract in Leipzig, which means it is unlikely to be cheap.
However, such is its quality that it would be a signing that would surely be worth every penny.
Moises Caicedo (Independent of Valle)
You may not have heard of Moisés Caicedo yet, but the 19-year-old seems to become one of the stars of the future.
The central midfielder has already won four games for Ecuador and has drawn attention with his magnificent performances for the Independiente del Valle club.
This has led to talk of some of the great Europeans looking at his signature, and Caicedo himself has confessed that United is his “dream club”.
Chelsea are the other Premier League team believed to be monitoring their progress, and we could be in a tug of war with transfers this month.
Leon Bailey (Bayer Leverkusen)
Another player who has always been linked with a move to England, could this be the window where Leon Bailey finally gets a transfer?
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has shone again in the Bundesliga so far this season, scoring nine goals and creating seven assists in all competitions.
He recently joined English agency USM, in a move that could increase his chances of switching to the Premier League.
Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal are believed to be interested as well, but given United’s high position in the table, they may well be the team that tempts Bailey the most.
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