Three realistic January transfer targets for Mauricio Pochettino at Manchester United
Mauricio Pochettino has been named as Manchester United's new head coach, with the Argentine to take office next week.
Pochettino returns to the Premier League to take over a Manchester United side in turmoil. United have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League season and sit in the relegation places after 10 games.
The 54-year-old will hope investment is available in the January transfer window, with several issues within the current squad. We've looked at three realistic targets that Pochettino could target.
Alex Freeman - Villarreal
Full-back is a massive area of concern for Manchester United and one that remains unresolved from the summer.
Alex Freeman could be an ideal solution. The 22-year-old was a favourite of Pochettino's during his time with the USA, emerging as a key figure for the national team. A right-back/centre-back hybrid, Freeman is a phenomenal athlete and has been outstanding for Villarreal this season.
He leads all La Liga full-backs for duels won and progressive pass accuracy, and ranks in the top three for aerial duels won (2nd) and progressive actions (3rd). Signed for just £5.2m in January, Villarreal could be tempted by an instant profit.
Alejandro Balde - Barcelona
Manchester United are expected to target full-backs on both sides of the pitch and Alejandro Balde continues to be linked.
The 23-year-old has become a forgotten figure at Barcelona, where he's failed to start a La Liga game this season. Barcelona need to raise funds for their pursuit of a centre-back and Balde looks a likely option to depart.
Folarin Balogun - AS Monaco
Benjamin Sesko's ongoing issues with injury have left Manchester United short at centre-forward. Folarin Balogun could be a short-term solution.
A failed deadline-day move to Everton has left Balogun frozen out at Monaco, where he's not started a Ligue 1 game this season.
His agent is understood to be assessing options ahead of January, and Pochettino's appointment is sure to ramp up rumours of a potential move. Balogun became the USA's first-choice forward under Pochettino and has scored seven goals in his last 14 international appearances.
The 25-year-old might not be the established top-tier forward Manchester United fans crave, but he's available, knows English football, and the head coach. A loan with a move to a permanent view could be the perfect solution to United's striker shortage.
