[theater of dream]

DEFENCE
The emergence of young defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling has been a huge positive for Sir Alex this season, but the questionable form of his more experienced partnership of Vidic and Ferdinand is something to worry about. Both have been inconsistent and many believe they are in danger of becoming a liabilty to a club that demands only the very best. United have had more shots attempted against them than any other Premier League side this season, leaving their young 'keeper David De Gea worryingly vulnerable and Fergie will be keen to instil greater stability at the back.



THIAGO SILVA
CLUB: AC Milan
POSITION: Centre-back
PRICE: £25m
The Brazilian centre-back has matured in to one of the best central defenders in Europe over the past few seasons. With Barcelona sniffing around his signature you know the 27-year-old has something to offer and that is leadership, commitment and brilliant awareness.



GIORGIO CHIELLINI
CLUB: Juventus
POSITION: Centre-back
PRICE: £18m
Chiellini has been playing out of position at Serie A-topping Juventus this season and hasn't been playing to the form that saw him praised as one of Europe's best centre-halfs last year. Following in a long-line of tough, safe and pretty scary Italian centre-backs such as Bergomi, Gentile and Cannavaro, the 27-year-old has a few less miles on his clock than Rio Ferdinand and could form an intimidating partnership with Vidic, if the Serbian finds form again.



EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
CLUB: Celtic
POSITION: Left-back
PRICE: £9m
Sir Alex was reported to be interested in the Honduras international over the summer, but Celtic rebuffed his enquiries. Izaguirre suffered a serious injury at the start of the season, but once back to full fitness, the pacy left-back would offer an exciting alternative to Patrice Evra, who has looked increasingly susceptible at the back. Scottish Player of the Year, Izaguirre has quality going forward and is looks good enough to play at a higher level

NEVEN SUBOTIC
CLUB: Borussia Dortmund
POSITION: Centre-back
PRICE: £20m
Linked with a multitude of clubs this summer, the machine-like Serbian could form a solid partnership with his fellow international centre-back Vidic. Subotic would follow in the path of many other Eastern European defenders to make a mark on the Premier League, including Vidic, Ivanovic at Chelsea and Kolorov at City. His big 6ft 4in frame, athleticism and ability to go forward mean he has a similar playing style to Rio Ferdinand and he could be the perfect replacement for United's immense centre back.



JORDI ALBA
CLUB: Valencia
POSITION: Left-back
PRICE: £18m
The highly-rated left-back is reported to have been on Ferguson's radar for while now, but has stated he is happy at Valencia for the time being. The 22-year-old possesses quick feet and a hard working ethic that would no doubt please Fergie. His pace up the flanks and crossing would potentially provide a poacher like Javier Hernandez with plentiful opportunities.