The German international was exceptional last term, with three goals and three assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances, also averaging 2.3 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game.
In Europe, he played every game for Dortmund as they reached the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
But most important is the 22 year old’s unique style. Gundogan is defensively hard-working, athletic and speedy, whilst going forward, he’s also calm and composed on the ball, capable of building up attacks with his passing game, or taking on defenders himself with his agility and dribbling.
The Red Devils need a water carrier, that can control the game alongside Michael Carrick and also protect the back four.
Gundogan could be the ideal solution for David Moyes, but the Red Devils will have to act quickly, following reports that Borussia Dortmund have just offered him a new contract, which is yet to be accepted.
2.
Manchester United appear desperate for a talented playmaker to sit alongside Michael Carrick and control the game from deep, but with Kevin Strootman and Thiago Alcantara already on the move this summer, and La Liga boys Luka Modric and Cesc Fabregas staying put, options at this point are few and far between.
But one viable alternative, who could come at relative cost, is Newcastle’s talisman midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
The France international has 10 goals and 11 assists in 60 Premiership appearances for the Magpies, and was a huge part of their European qualification campaign.
But in Newcastle’s recent decline, the 27 year old is beginning to stick out like a sore thumb, being clearly a cut above the rest at St. James’s Park in terms of quality and reputation.
Cabaye is one of the most cultured and technically gifted passers in the top flight, last term averaging 2 key passes per game, with a pass completion ratio of 80%.
The midfielder is ready to up his game at a bigger club, but the Magpies are understandably reluctant to sell.
According to the tabloids, Monaco and PSG are both interested, and Mike Ashley will be looking for an offer around the £20million mark.
3.
I find it somewhat surprising that no club has made substantial ground in chasing Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen.
The 21 year old finished up last campaign with 10 goals and 13 assists in the Eredivisie, whilst he also impressed in the Champions League, with one goal and four assists in six appearances.
Eriksen, a Danish international who already has 36 caps to his name, could fill the creative void Wayne Rooney is set to leave behind, being capable of finding the net himself or providing opportunities for others.
Most appealing about the Ajax playmaker however is his availability this summer.
Eriksen has refused to extend his current contract past 2014, and the Dutch Champions are eager to sell.
Liverpool and Arsenal have already been linked, as well as United, and Eriksen could be available for around £15million, leaving plenty left in the transfer kitty.
4.
It would quite possibly be the most controversial transfer of all time, but would anything surprise you when it comes to Luis Suarez?
Furthermore, is there a better like-for-like replacement for Wayne Rooney currently plying their trade in the Premier League?
The Liverpool talisman was one of the Premier League’s top performers last term, with 23 goals and five assists in 33 appearances.
More than just output however, the Uruguayan synergises the role of an attacking midfielder and a natural poacher perfectly, capable of playing anywhere in attack, and averaging 5.7 shots, 2.7 key passes and 2.9 successful dribbles per game last season.
It’s even more impressive considering Suarez, aged 26, was doing it at a club that struggled to break into the top half of the table for the most-part of the season, putting in incredibly individual and talismanic displays on the ball, whilst defensively, the striker’s work-rate is unrivaled in Europe.
Suarez would fit perfectly into the role Rooney is set to leave behind at Old Trafford, tucking in in front of the midfield and getting forward to support and provide for Robin Van Persie.
Liverpool are keen to bring in £55million from the Suarez deal, which is still affordable for the Premier League champions.
But the Liverpool/Manchester rivalry could get in the way, as well as Suarez’s racial abuse incident involving Red Devils man Patrice Evra in 2011.
5.
I mention these two in the same breath firstly because ‘Baines and Fellaini’ is an excellent name for a Merseyside-based Cop drama, and secondly because the Everton duo could be prized away from Goodison for a collective £40million – the same fee Chelsea are believed to be offering for Wayne Rooney.
Both could add something to the United roster for different reasons.
Leighton Baines was one of the Premier League’s top performers last term, with five goals and five assists from left-back, and statistically becoming the division’s most creative player.
The England man could slip into the Red Devils’ current formation and style of play very easily, as current No.3 Patrice Evra looks set to depart for France after entering the tail-end of his career.
Marouane Fellaini on the other hand would be utilised to sure up United’s midfield which now has a gaping hole next to Michael Carrick following Paul Scholes’ retirement this summer.
The 6 foot 5 Belgian recorded 11 goals and 5 assists last term, but would be used more conservatively at Old Trafford. Even so, Fellaini is more than capable, being one of the most versatile midfielders in the English top flight, and capable of contributing heavily at both ends of the pitch.
David Moyes is well acquainted with both from his Everton tenure, and represents the best opportunity for both to quickly integrate into a major club.
Furthermore, £40million is a decent price for the nucleus of a top six club, with Bill Kenwright expecting £18million for Baines, and Fellaini valued at £23million due to a release clause in his contract.
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