It seems that David Moyes travelling around Europe in recent days has to do with the players he’s looking to sign. His latest stop? France, scouting Paris Saint-Germain players, and specifically Ezequiel Lavezzi and Jeremy Menez, hoping to bring at least one of them to Manchester United.
Some might suggest that Manchester United have more of a need to sign a midfielder or a full back, but Moyes has said more than once that getting the actual players you want isn’t that easy during the January transfer window. It’s also safe to argue that up front Manchester United might have problems, especially when you look at the right wing and the mess it has been for quite some time.
So why Lavezzi and Menez? Both of them aren’t as important to the French champions as they were last season. Lavezzi has played in 15 league matches so far but has scored only three goals and has yet to complete the full 90 minutes this season. He’s usually on the left wing of PSG’s 4-3-3, but has no problem playing in any position behind the striker, and is known for being excellent as a creator but far less efficient as a finisher.
Someone who has really been downgraded this season has been Jeremy Menez who has played in only nine league matches this season, half of the time coming off the bench. He fits the right winger need a lot more than Lavezzi, but his availability depends on how much Manchester United are willing to spend. PSG signed him for €8 million in 2011, but will probably be looking to sell him for an eight-figure price if the offer does come along.
As for their midfield situation, nothing seems to be popping up round the rumor mill at the moment. As for the full back situation, Fabio Coentrao is still an option, while Leighton Baines is looking to sign an extension with Everton. Manchester United don’t really have great options for their real needs, but adding quality players has never hurt anyone.