Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller (L), Mario Gotze (C) and Gianluca Gaudino attend a training session on the eve of their Champions League Group E match against CSKA Moscow at the Arena Khimki outside Moscow, September 29, 2014.
Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller (L), Mario Gotze (C) and Gianluca Gaudino attend a training session on the eve of their Champions League Group E match against CSKA Moscow at the Arena Khimki outside Moscow, September 29, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim Zmeyev

After the recent defeat at the hands of Southampton in the Premier League, Manchester United management have again shifted their focus towards bringing more quality to the squad. The latest players to be linked to possible move are the German striker Thomas Muller and the French central defender Aymeric Laporte or even the great Lionel Messi.

Both Manchester United and Louis van Gaal have been fans of the young German striker Thomas Muller, 25, for years. They have at various points in time tried to lure him to play at Old Trafford but Muller has not left his beloved Bayern Munich and rightly so. While at Bayern he has won three Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal titles, two DFL-Supercups and one UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup each. He has also won the FIFA World Cup while he was at the same club.

This season however he wants a change of scenery. Reports in Germany are circulating that he has spoken to his agent and wants to move out of the Allianz Arena. "It is no secret that Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes a little beyond the normal relationship between coaches and players", Muller was quoted as saying. This quote has given United a boost that they can lure him to play under van Gaal sooner than later.

Another report suggests that Manchester United are closing in on an unexpected move for 20 year old Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte. United manager is putting in £25M as a transfer fee to secure his services. United's first choice defenders are Mats Hummels and Diego Godin.

In an unexpected twist to the Messi transfer saga, Manchester United are keeping a close tab on the situation as well. Hours after saying that the news of leaving Barcelona was fabricated Messi made a startling statement after the completion of the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Zurich. "I am not sure where I will be next year", Messi told the press. Manchester United are only one of a handful of clubs who can afford to have Messi in their side.

To contact the author of this article email a.biswas@IBTimes.com.au

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