There could be plenty of transfer activity taking place at Manchester United this summer.

Rumours are rife that Jose Mourinho will be clearing out the deadwood in coming weeks and even some of the club's bigger name players. The likes of Anthony Martial, Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw are all mooted to be at risk.

The fact of the matter is that change is needed at Old Trafford with the Red Devils finishing a massive 19 points behind neighbours Manchester City.

If United are to challenge for the Premier League title this season and progress further in the Champions League, spending is certainly necessary.

A new arrival in both full-back positions looks an increasingly pressing issue with Darmian and Shaw potentially leaving as well as Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia now starting to age.

Man Utd to spend big this summer

Then there's the midfield, which will surely need reinforcements after Michael Carrick's retirement and the potential departure of Marouane Fellaini.

The latest reports suggest that Shakhtar Donetsk's Fred could be the man to slot into central midfield.

However, United could have an altogether different problem if Martial waves goodbye this summer and it would see the club needing yet another forward.

United poised to buy Douglas Costa

Richarlison, Dries Mertens and Willian have all been linked but, according to The Sun, United are poised to make a move for Bayern Munich's Douglas Costa.

The Brazilian has enjoyed a fantastic season out on loan with Juventus and it looks doubtful that he has any future back in Bavaria.

Costa was one of the stand-out players in Serie A and while Juventus would have first call on a permanent transfer, United are willing to cough up £79 million if they turn down the chance.

There's good reason to suggest the Old Lady might pass up the opportunity as they move their focus towards buying a new central midfielder and are worried about Bayern's hefty asking price.

The report rates Mourinho's chances of securing the signing at '40 per cent.'

There can be little doubting that Costa would be an ambitious signing for the club and would offer remarkable depth alongside Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford.

Spending so much on another winger certainly seems brave, though, and Willian could be the preferred choice with a much smaller asking price.

However, if Juventus do in fact rebuff Costa, it could be an opportunity too good to miss for United.

Do you think Costa would be a good signing for United? Have your say in the comments section below.