Manchester United Transfer News: Lewandowski, Cole, Ince and Wanyama Involved in Latest Speculation

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could well break with tradition and have an active January transfer window. That is the view of the Manchester Evening News, which claims that Ferguson is monitoring several targets with a view to potential deals in the New Year.

Foremost among them is Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. The 24-year-old is likely to have been kept a close eye on by Ferguson as he put in an impressive performance for Poland against England on Wednesday.

Lewandowski has previously indicated a desire to play in the Premier League, although it appears unlikely that he will be allowed to leave midseason. With less than two years remaining on his contract, a move next summer could well be on the cards, however.

The MEN suggests that Lewandowski could be a potential replacement for Javier Hernandez, who has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Robin van Persie and has failed to recapture the prolific form of his debut season.

Perhaps the likeliest January addition as things stand is young Blackpool winger Tom Ince. The 20-year-old, son of former United midfielder Paul, has been repeatedly linked with a move to United in recent weeks. Ince has scored six league goals in just seven games this season and could join United in a £6 million deal, according to the MEN.

Ince could well arrive as a replacement for Nani, who continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Zenit St Petersburg were reported to have had a £25 million offer accepted in the summer before the player priced himself out of a deal. But with just over 18 months remaining on his contract, the player could be the target of a cut-price bid from Milan at the end of the season, according to Metro.

The story states that Milan are prepared to pay £12 million for the 25-year-old.

There have also been reports that Ferguson will finally sign a dynamic midfielder in January. While the MEN again links Netherlands international Kevin Strootman with a move to Old Trafford, it may be that Celtic’s Victor Wanyama is the more intriguing option.

The Kenya international has been a big success since arriving in Glasgow in the summer of 2011 and perhaps crucially can also operate in the center of defense. That position has become a problem one for United in the past year, with injuries repeatedly limiting Ferguson’s options. Nemanja Vidic recently suffered another knee injury having missed much of last season, while Rio Ferdinand has shown signs that age and injuries are taking their roll on his performances.

An unlikely target for next summer has emerged with the Daily Mail claiming that Manchester United could battle it out with local rivals Manchester City for the signing of Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole. The 31-year-old is out of contract in the summer and his future at Stamford Bridge is believed to be in doubt due to Chelsea’s policy of not offering longer than one year deals to players over the age of 30.

According to the Mail, Paris Saint-Germain—previously believed to be a likely destination—will now not make a move for the England international. Both United and City would be interested in Cole, should he leave the Blues at the end of the season, claims the Mail.