Man Utd Transfers: 10 Midfield Alternatives To Arturo Vidal

7. Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)

But for Ilkay Gundogan's injury problems over the last year or so, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder could well be clutching a World Cup winners medal of his own. The 23-year-old has not managed any playing time for club or country since suffering nerve damage in his back during an international friendly with Paraguay in August last year. The injury has halted the progress of the former Bochum and Nürnberg midfielder, who had enjoyed excellent campaigns with Dortmund prior to his injury, winning a league and cup double in 2011/12 before scoring in the 2013 Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich. Despite Germany's wealth of midfield options he would have been a certain member of the World Cup squad if it wasn't for the injury keeping him sidelined for so long. Offering an excellent all round game, Gundogan is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe when fit, with the player offering a goal and set piece threat too. Given his age and the fact that Louis van Gaal is a known fan of the player too, he could be an intriguing option for United - with Gundogan set to return from injury in September. Although, with Dortmund likely to still demand top money for a player who hasn't played in the best part of a year, United should evaluate this option closely.