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These days, the good news Manchester United try to offset the bad news with is through transfers. Juan Mata briefly appeased supporters nearly two years ago, even though he wasn't wanted by David Moyes, and now comes the line United are working on deals for three of world football's eminent forwards.

United tried to sign Cristiano Ronaldo , Gareth Bale , and Neymar in the summer and they are reportedly renewing those attempts ahead of next summer's window.

Louis van Gaal could spend £200m more before he leaves United in 18 months' time and a hefty chunk of that will probably go on a forward. United lack an inspired matchwinner to turn all of those 0-0s into 1-0s and any of the aforementioned trio would be welcomed by Reds.

READ MORE: Giggs could leave United amid Swansea interest

Ronaldo is understood to be open to returning to United, while the club is nicely poised to bring Bale back to Britain once he is fed up of Spanish lessons. Neymar is, arguably, the unlikeliest of the La Liga forwards to move to Manchester.

United have also retained an interest in Southampton forward Sadio Mane , but are supposedly not optimistic about a mid-season deal.

As M.E.N. Sport previously wrote, United will step up their interest in John Stones next summer.

United were prepared to intervene had Everton accepted an offer from Chelsea for the 21-year-old in the summer and, considering the champions' slide towards the relegation quicksand, United are more favourably poised to sign the England international.

And Wayne Rooney could earn £75m over three years if he moves to China.