After a relatively quiet January transfer window, it appears David Moyes is moving quickly to set up his summer targets, if today's story in the Daily Star is anything to go by. With United facing accusations all season of lacking bite in midfield (as well as creativity, at least until Juan Mata came in,) it is plainly obvious that the Reds needs further defensive midfield options, especially with Michael Carrick prone to injury and Darren Fletcher not yet looking the same player as before his debilitating illness took him out of the picture for so long. The Star say that Moyes will look to rectify that issue in the summer with a bid for Newcastle United's Ivorian enforcer Cheick Tiote. The summer is likely to be a busy period for both Manchester United and Newcastle, who both face rebuilding projects, and one of the biggest deals of the summer could take Tiote, who David Moyes attempted to sign from FC Twente when he was still at Everton, from the North East to the North West. The Star say the Red Devils' manager's remit is to identify defensive and midfield targets, and that he has spent the last few weeks scouting Europe for new talent, and that the Ivorian is at the top of the list of possible options to replace Carrick. Tiote's representatives have been made aware of United's interest through a third party, and are expecting a bid to be tabled at the end of the season. That move would add the kind of power to United's midfield that they have lacked so far this year, though Tiote does have a tendency to be booked a lot, which might well work against him. Meanwhile, the Star say that Moyes also sent a team of scouts to watch William Carvalho playing for Sporting Lisbon before the transfer window closed, who were impressed enough to advise a summer bid for the 21 year old. They would likely only be one of several possible suitors for the midfielder, who is counted as one of the most promising talents in Europe, and the Star suggest both Real Madrid and Barcelona will also be interested in testing his current club's resolve, who have a clause in his contract worth £37m. Do you think Tiote and Carvalho would be good additions to United's squad in the summer? Share your thoughts below in the comments.
