Has Jack Rodwell Become United’s New January Target?

For the past couple of seasons Jack Rodwell has featured in numerous articles with the prefix ‘Manhcester United target.’ With the signing of Phil Jones in the Summer the rumours of Rodwell’s impending arrival at Old Trafford seemed to disappear quicker than Sepp Blatter’s invite to the Black History ball.

With two sterling performances for England, over the past six days, Rodwell has catapulted himself back into the minds of not just United fans, but many other clubs looking for a bright young midfielder with a proven Premier League pedigree.

Rodwell’s performances for Everton this season, have been a marked improvement on last term when he seemed to disappear somewhat, possibly under the weight of expectation. Although his performances weren’t terroble last season, they didn’t live up to the hype that had been made of the youngster.

So far this season Rodwell has more than lived up to the hype, playing with the confidence of an experienced Premier League veteran, he’s also shone for England, which will only help increase his standing amongst potential suitors.

United’s transfer policy of late has been to buy young promising players who’ve already shown they can hack it at the highest level. With the exception of Ashley Young, all of Sir Alex’s last few additions to the United squad have been similar to Rodwell in age. Part of the problem in buying a player who’s now a fully blown England international is the price you’re forced to pay, but in Rodwell’s case it may not be the fortune some expect.

Everton have shown recently that they’re well and truly a selling club, forced to relinquish their prized assets when the money’s right. I may be wrong but a bid around the £18-20 million mark, may just be enough to tempt them, or possibly a cash plus one of our surplus strikers offer.

Whether United have a spare £20 million in the kitty is of course up for debate, but you would imagine with such an interest in Wesley Sneijder, even after the signing of Ashley Young, David De Gea and Phil Jones, there must be a few quid in the Old Trafford coffers.

The only real question that remains is do United really need Rodwell? The point is, Rodwell seems to fit number of central midfield roles. be it, as protection to the back four as he did when replacing Jones against Spain. while against Sweden he was used in a more attacking role. Rodwell looks as though he could be a genuine box to box type.

With Phil Jones often needed in defence- although I still believe he’s a central midfielder, Tom Cleverley not always available and question marks surrounding practically every other United central midfielder, would the signing of Rodwell be such a bad idea?

In the past I’ve not been his biggest fan if I’m completely honest, but lately, Rodwell’s convinced me he just may be good enough to wear a United shirt.

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