1. James Rodriguez
Club: FC Porto Position: Attacking Midfield/Winger Value: £36m Linked to United by Portuguese source
Abola, Colombian FC Porto forward James Rodriguez has apparently been on Sir Alex's most wanted list for some time and he may well make a move from Portugal this January if the United boss decides that a 45m (£36m) fee is reasonable money to pay. Porto aren't likely to want to lose one of their star assets, who has been impressive since moving to Porto two years ago from Banfield, especially since selling Hulk to Zenit for 60m, and thus aren't likely to move on the transfer valuation. But if Sir Alex makes the move for the Colombian - following his trend of bringing in players from the Primeira Liga - he will be getting an attacking midfielder who scored 13 league goals in 26 appearances last season and who has started this season with 4 goals in 8 in all competitions. He is a major prospect - one of the hottest in Europe at the minute - and is likely to attract attention when the transfer window opens, with only the biggest spending teams likely to be able to match his valuation but United could do with further options in attack with Javier Hernandez apparently dropping down the pecking order, Danny Welbeck playing out wide and Wayne Rooney operating deeper than he has in the past. He also fits the bill in terms of Sir Alex's attraction to more versatile players who can operate in multiple roles, as he is comfortable operating out wide as well as in a playmaker role between the lines. He packs an impressive left-foot shot, is strong from set-pieces and likes to link up with a more conventional centre-forward, which could spell a fruitful relationship with Robin Van Persie. http://youtu.be/g1wjc_-2-IM