Man Utd Transfers: 5 Dream Midfielders Louis van Gaal Could Sign Before Deadline Day

By Joseph Dempsey /

3. Koke

Atletico Madrid's Koke has been linked with a move to United for much of the summer and emerged as a possible target back in May just as Louis van Gaal was taking over at Old Trafford. The Spaniard played a crucial role in Atletico's historic title-winning campaign in 2013-14 by scoring six goals in 36 appearances and at only 22 is considered one of European football's brightest young talents. The Los Rojiblancos star wouldn't come cheap however as he has a reported buy-out clause of £48 million - a staggering amount for a player of his age - though United have proven this season that they won't be put off by price-tags having shattered the British transfer record to sign Angel Di Maria this week. Koke would be a fantastic signing. A creative midfielder renowned for his passing abilities, the Spain starlet's ability to create attacking opportunities would add a bit of sparkle to a United midfield that looks humdrum at present. The Atletico man has played at all levels for his national side and has already broken into the senior-set-up, being capped 10 times for La Furia Roja despite his relative youth, which is indicative of his burgeoning potential.