Michael Keane is set for a sensational return to Manchester United this January… and Antoine Griezmann could follow him
Red Devils could move for another former academy star after resigning Paul Pogba from Juventus last summer
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Despite beating Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday, Manchester United still lie sixth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and six back from rivals Manchester City in the final Champions League qualification spot.
Although many of United’s recent performances have been good, Jose Mourinho would have expected to be much higher up the table by this point of his Old Trafford reign.
The Red Devils are constantly being linked with big-money signings as the January transfer window approaches, so Football Whispers has analysed the top five Manchester United transfer rumours from around the world.
Burnley's Michael Keane is most likely to move to Old Trafford
United broke the world transfer record to re-sign a former academy player when they captured Paul Pogba from Juventus this summer, and reports claim they could be set to splash the cash for another former player in the form of Michael Keane.
Keane made one Premier League appearance for the Old Trafford outfit before being sold to Burnley in 2015 and the 23-year-old has impressed at Turf Moor this term.
The 6ft 3inch defender has won an impressive 63.6 percent of his aerial duels as well as making 11 tackles and 34 interception in 1350 minutes of action, helping him earn his first England call-up.
With Mourinho thought to be intent on adding defensive reinforcements in January, Keane would be a strong addition.
Antoine Griezmann continues to be linked with a move to Manchester
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has risen to become regarded as one of the best players in the world over the last 18 months, and The Sun recently reported that United are willing to pay £70million to secure the Frenchman’s signature next summer.
Griezmann is close friends with Paul Pogba and previously admitted that his childhood hero was none other than former United icon David Beckham.
Mourinho is believed to view the 25-year-old as the ideal long-term replacement for captain Wayne Rooney, and the Atletico striker is outperforming the United man this season having scored nine goals to the 31-year-old’s three; both players have registered six assists.
There's an outside chance United could move for Porto's Hector Herrera
Spanish media outlet Fichajes recently linked the Red Devils with a January swoop for Mexican international midfielder Hector Herrera.
Having joined Porto in 2013 from Pachuca, the combative 26-year-old is believed to be keen to challenge himself in the Premier League.
And with the Portuguese club reportedly needing to raise funds via player sales to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions, an Old Trafford switch could be on the cards.
The 48-cap Mexico star has demonstrated his abilities in defence and attack this season with 18 tackles and 12 chances created in eight games.
Chelsea target Antonio Rudiger may opt to leave Roma for Chelsea
It has been reported last week that United are set to swoop for Roma’s towering centre-back Antonio Rudiger, although they may face stiff competition for the Germany star from Chelsea.
Rudiger has recently overcome a cruciate knee ligament injury to return to form and fitness for the Serie A side, and is believed to be valued at around £30million by the Giallorossi.
With his imposing size, strength and aerial prowess, the former Stuttgart defender would make an ideal partner for summer signing Eric Bailly.
United make a shock swoop for West Ham ac Dimitri Payet
In what would be perhaps the biggest shock of the January window, United are being linked with a stunning move for West Ham United star Dimitri Payet.
French outlet Le10 Sport reported recently that Mourinho has even met with the Frenchman to discuss the possibility of a switch to Old Trafford.
Despite the Hammers’ poor form this term, Payet has still managed to score three goals and provide five assists, as well as creating an incredible 48 chances.
While he is still not showing the form of last season, his creativity and dead-ball skills would make him a popular man on the red side of Manchester.
