MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER RUMOURS: Asamoah, Modric, Pogba, Baines, Alba And Fischer Discussed In Latest Speculation

Ever since Barcelona took Manchester United apart in the Champions League final of 2009, many observers have believed that the team's central midfield required serious investment. It was an opinion backed up by Yaya Toure's dominant performance for Manchester City in last season's title decider at the Etihad.

Now it seems that Sir Alex Ferguson is finally ready to make a splash in the market to address his team's needs.

With doubts persisting over the future of Darren Fletcher, Anderson's inconsistency through both form and injury and an over-reliance on veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, it is easy to see why reinforcement is needed.

According to reports, United's main target is Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric. After tracking the Croatian for some time, the Daily Mirror claims that United is ready to start off negotiations with a £22 million bid.

If that proves true, the offer is certain to be rejected out of hand by shrewd Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. While Modric's restated desire to leave this summer should force Tottenham's hand to some degree, it would be a major surprise should he be allowed to leave for less than £30 million.

Meanwhile another target, Kwadwo Asamoah may still be within United's grasp, after all. It was thought that the Udinese man would be heading to Juventus after talks were held between the two Serie A clubs. But in a tweet, the 23-year-old has suggested that United remain in the running.

Can't say a lot except that where ever my future is I want to win things and better myself as a player. Will let u know where that is, he said.

Udinese is in my heart. If I stay in Italy or go to England that doesn't change. Attention now on Ghana and hope to have news next week.

United's need to bolster their midfield is only heightened by the what now looks like Paul Pogba's inevitable departure to Juventus. Well not yet a regular in the side by any means, there were high hopes that the 18-year-old Frenchman could become a driving force in the United side for years to come.

But, according to the Mirror, the Old Lady are poised to reap the rewards of Pogba's enormous potential.

United's recruitment plans this summer also extend to a new left-back, if the plethora of speculation is to be believed. There has been further rumors about the two men linked strongest to eventually replacing Patrice Evra at Old Trafford, Leighton Baines and Jordi Alba.

The Mirror claims that United are unwilling to go higher than £15 million for the England international, whereas Everton continue to hold out for £20 million. Given Baines's age of 27, a more realistic target appeared to be 23-year-old, Alba. However, Sport reports that United is poised to be beaten to the signing of Spain's first-choice left-back by Barcelona. It is claimed that all parties are eager for a deal to be wrapped-up before Spain's opening game of Euro 2012 on Sunday. A fee of between £10 million and £12 million has been discussed.

Always on the lookout for the world's top young talent, it is no surprise that Manchester United is also being spoken of as the next destination for highly-touted Ajax forward Viktor Fischer.

The Dane, 17, came to attention during the recent NextGen Series with a hat-trick against Liverpool. So much so that there was even some talk of him making his country's squad for Euro 2012, despite having yet to appear in the Ajax first-team.

Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the latest potential star out of the Dutch club's famed academy, De Toekomst.