5 players Manchester United might sign in January

Manchester United had a busy 2017/18 summer transfer window. Early in the window, Jose Mourinho revealed that he needed 4 new signings to strengthen his squad.

Swedish international Victor Lindelof was United's first summer signing. Romelu Lukaku arrived on a five-year deal from Everton on a deal that cost an initial £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons. Nemanja Matic arrived late in July, making it a successful transfer window for Mourinho.

However, Manchester United failed to land their fourth target, Ivan Perisic and this left them short of quality players on the flanks. United started well but after the injury to Paul Pogba, United stumbled and lost ground to Manchester City, developing an eight-point gap. Mourinho needs to pull things back quickly and for that to happen, United need some quality reinforcements during the winter transfer window.

Let's see the players that Manchester United might target in January

#5 Carlos Soler

Valencia are unbeaten in La Liga this season and midfielder Carlos Soler is having an excellent campaign so far. The highly-rated 20-year-old has been instrumental in the centre of the park for Valencia and leading their title charge with 1 goal and 4 assists.

With the future of Marouane Fellaini in doubt, Manchester United need a back up to Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. Soler has a £71m release clause but United will try to capitalize on Valencia's financial problems.

Mourinho wants to sign him for around £40million and with Soler interested in the move, there is a high possibility of the deal happening in January.

Soler plays on the flank for Valencia but can play centrally as well. He is pacy and has the ability to take on defenders. He possesses a lot of energy and creates goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates with his direct approach. He has everything that United need and will be an excellent addition to the United squad.

#4 Danny Rose

The Tottenham and England left-back developed into one of the best full-backs in the country. Due to the knee injury that saw him miss out on the first couple of months of the season, Rose lost his place to Ben Davies in the Tottenham lineup and also his place in the England national team.

Luke Shaw's failure at United is forcing Mourinho to look for a replacement. Ashley Young, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian have done a decent job but Mourinho needs a permanent left back solution.

When in form, there is no left back in the country who is as good as Danny Rose. Rose is an aggressive defender who is never afraid to go into tackles. He covers a lot of ground and is excellent at overlapping runs and can deliver beautiful crosses into the box.

Manchester United are ready to spend as much as £50million for Rose but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may not want to sell him to a direct rival. The possibility of a deal may finally boil down to United's determination and Rose willingness to leave his boyhood club.

#3 Willian

Mourinho was left frustrated at United's failure to land Ivan Perisic during the 2017/18 summer transfer window and even made a last-ditch attempt to sign Willian in an attempt to strengthen his flanks.

United's limitations on the flanks were exposed on numerous occasions this season and Mourinho will look to add a player who can solve this problem and give him width.

According to reports, Manchester United are ready to launch a fresh bid for the Chelsea star Willian in January. Willian has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea with Antonio Conte preferring to play Pedro in his favoured 3-4-3 formation.

The Brazilian international is one of Mourinho's most trusted lieutenants and will address a lot of problems at United. With his pace and trickery, Willian can add a new dimension to United's attacking play. The 29-year-old has a lot of experience in the Premier League and will straightaway walk into Mourinho's line up at United.

#2 Mesut Ozil

With a Man of the Match performance in the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, Mesut Ozil reminded everyone that he is still one of the best playmakers in Europe.

Ozil, 29, is yet to sign an extension at Arsenal and his contract is due to expire in June. He has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford when his contract runs out in the summer.

Ozil has been under constant criticism from Arsenal fans and he will relish the opportunity to work with Jose Mourinho again. Barcelona is also eyeing a move for Ozil but the Mourinho factor will have a say in his decision.

The king of assists has created 129 goals in his career. With his vision, control, passing range, and precision, Ozil may just be the missing piece in Mourinho's puzzle.

Arsenal have reportedly put a price tag on him and he will cost United in the region of £18 million. Mourinho will not pass up the opportunity to sign one of the most creative midfielders in the world.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

Given the struggles of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata, Jose Mourinho desperately needs a world-class addition to his attacking line in order to add to the creativity of his side. Griezmann almost joined Manchester United in a £100 million deal last summer but the deal collapsed because of Atleti's transfer ban.

Atletico Madrid signed Diego Costa from Chelsea in October and will not stop Griezmann this time around from making a move to Manchester United. With his close friend Paul Pogba playing at United, Griezmann always wanted to join the Red Devils and the French international will be an excellent addition to the United squad.

Griezmann has quick feet, excellent vision, and a terrific passing range. His linkup play with Paul Pobga while on national duty is a delight to watch and Mourinho wants to recreate that magic at United.

However, Manchester United are facing competition in the pursuit of Griezmann as La Liga giants Barcelona are also keeping a close watch on his situation at Atletico.