We are now just a matter of days away from the official start of EURO 2016 – which will begin with one of those dreadful opening ceremonies before hosts France kick off against Romania on Friday night.
As per usual, a number of Europe’s top stars – and an equal amount of lesser ones – will be hoping performances at the European Championship can better their careers, be it in the form of silverware or a lucrative move to one of the continent’s biggest clubs.
Simultaneously, Manchester United have a big wad of cash to spend this summer, with some reports claiming fresh managerial appointment Jose Mourinho has been issued a £200million transfer budget, so logic suggests the Red Devils could end up investing in one of EURO 2016’s top talents.
With that in mind and the summer transfer window just around the corner, we’re giving you the lowdown on the Euro 2016 stars already on United’s radar in a select Xi format.
GOALKEEPER – HUGO LLORIS
Should David De Gea depart for Real Madrid this summer as suspected in the tabloids, logic suggests Manchester United will revive their long-term interest in Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris – who was strongly mooted as a natural successor to the Red Devils No.1 last summer. He’s set to take a starring role for France this summer as their first-choice goalkeeper and captain – and performances in that capacity could convince United to meet Spurs’ reported £40million valuation.
RIGHT CENTRE-BACK – JOHN STONES
It remains to be seen if Roy Hodgson will include John Stones in England’s starting Xi, having come under heavy criticism last season amid regular showings of disturbing inexperience. Nonetheless, the Everton centre-back is still one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League, boasting rare agility and skill, and Manchester United are in the frame to snap him up – although the Toffees reportedly want a whopping £50million.
CENTRE-BACK – LEONARDO BONUCCI
Rumour has it three of the Premier League’s top clubs are chasing Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci – Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United. The rugged centre-back is one of the world’s best in his trade, as a five- title-winning member of the Old Lady’s legendary three-man defence and a 57-cap international for Italy who will be at the heart of his country’s efforts this summer. United’s backline is in need of the kind of top-end experience the 29-year-old can provide.
LEFT CENTRE-BACK – SHKODRAN MUSTAFI
Despite once failing to make the grade at Everton, Shkodran Mustafi has since established himself as one of the most exciting young centre-backs in Europe – a regular at the heart of Valencia’s defence and a member of the Germany squad that lifted the 2014 World Cup. He’s made Joachim Lowe’s cut once again and could be asked to fill in on the right side of defence at Euro 2016 amid the absence of a dependable No.2. The 24-year-old appears to be on United’s radar and would likely set them back somewhere in the region of £25million.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD – N’GOLO KANTE
N’Golo Kante has just come to the end of a phenomenal season in the Premier League, averaging the most tackles and interceptions per match of any player in the division as Leicester City lifted the title, and could transition form that into the European Championship. Indeed, the 25-year-old has forced his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans since making his debut in March seems destined for at least a recurring role from the bench to help Les Tricolores see out wins. The Sun have billed the energetic enforcer as United’s priority midfield target and his contract is believed to include a £20million release clause.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – TONI KROOS
The Independent claim Manchester United are ready to revive their interest in Toni Kroos amid rumours he’s grown disillusioned with life at Real Madrid. The ingenious midfielder hasn’t quite established himself as a key star in the Blancos starting Xi but remains one of the top deep-lying playmakers in world football and will play an important role for Germany this summer – especially with the likes of Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger entering their declines. Aged 26, the time is right for United to invest but Real Madrid are under no pressure to sell, with Kroos’ contract not due to expire for another four years.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – PAUL POGBA
Paul Pogba looks set to take centre-stage this summer amid a European Championship on his home soil. He’s the stand-out name in a very exciting France side, having emerged as arguably the top central midfielder in world football since leaving Manchester United as a youngster three years ago. Powerful, skillful, smart in possession and capable of finding the net from long range, the 23-year-old really is the total package. Rising to the challenge of being France’s dynamo could convince one of Pogba’s many suitors – including Manchester United – to meet the £77million valuation once mooted by agent Mino Raiola.
RIGHT WING – GARETH BALE
Gareth Bale has been linked with Manchester United practically ever since signing for Real Madrid in summer 2013. The winger-forward is set for a massive summer as Wales’ attacking talisman and only world-class entity, which should give him yet another platform to showcase his ruthless power, pace and technical prowess on the counter-attack. The 26-year-old seems like a natural fit for the Red Devils but also appears to be more than content with life at the Bernabeu, where he’s lifted two Champions League titles.
LEFT WING – ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Antoine Griezmann is another France star who will be central to his country’s efforts this summer, as one of Europe’s most potent and tactically versatile forwards. Indeed, the 25-year-old can operate as a wide man or a central striker, bagging 57 goals in 107 appearances in the latter role for current employers Atletico Madrid. Griezmann’s hardworking, opportunist style is perfect for the Jose Mourinho philosophy and some sources have reported that United were keen to activate his £63million release clause this summer.
Alas, he has since agreed a new deal at Atletico, although this may be a ploy by the club to increase his value as the giants circle.
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STRIKER – ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
Manchester United’s interest in Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no great secret, with recent reports suggesting his much-speculated transfer to Old Trafford is essentially a done deal. He may now be 34 years of age but the departing PSG star remains one of the beautiful game’s leading front-men and has just come to the end of the strongest campaign of his career in terms of goals, bagging 50 across all competitions. Likely his last international tournament, the Sweden talisman will be desperate to put on a show at Euro 2016 this summer.
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STRIKER – ROMELU LUKAKU
Rumour has it Everton want a whopping £65million for Romelu Lukaku but a strong haul for Belgium this summer could well justify that monolithic price-tag. The 6 foot 3 striker is unquestionably one of the Premier League’s most promising young strikers, already boasting 60 goals at just 23 years of age, but doubts remain over whether he’s ready to make the jump to a top club. Lukaku’s got the chance to quash those criticisms this summer, but his scoring record at international level is a little underwhelming -just twelve in 44 outings.
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