I don't think praising them a lot would help, as they would ignore it anyway. By winning prizes and increasing your club stature you're more likely to interest good players to sign for your club.
For LB, check FC Toulouse's Cheick M'Bengue. Usually signs for big clubs in my saves. Snatched him up from Arsenal for my Everton side, and he's doing alright for a rotation player. Had Baines in my first XI, but he's getting old plus I signed Filipe for free so trying to get rid of Baines. Hopefully Blackburn will make a bid after his loan spell.
Anyway, I'm also in the process of signing Alex Sandro. He plays for Santos at the beginning of the game, I think. He's my future LB, as he's only 24 years old (I'm sixth season in) and a quality signing.
Corinthians' Dodô would also be worth checking out; he's cheap but too young to play at EPL level.
For DM try FC Toulouse's Etienne Capoue or Fulham's Radosav Petrovic. Those players might be interested.