Manchester United are reportedly in talks with the representatives of Nigel de Jong as they line up an £8 million move for the AC Milan midfielder.
According to Goal, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been in talks with de Jong's camp ahead of a potential switch to Old Trafford.
Despite having already secured the services of Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao this summer, United are still in the hunt for another central midfielder following the retirement of Ryan Giggs and the injury of Michael Carrick (who is set to miss the opening stages of the new season).
The Red Devils had initially been expected to sign Juventus star Arturo Vidal, with the United boss being keen on landing him despite his massive price tag.
However, the deal looks very unlikely now, and United have diverted their attention to de Jong.
Van Gaal is reportedly keen on getting the 29-year-old after watching him do well with the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup.
"I don't like singling out players, but Nigel de Jong was inspirational," van Gaal had said after his side's 3-2 win over Australia in the group stages.
The Dutchman, who joined Milan for a reported fee of £3.5 million in 2012 after spending three years at Manchester City, is also reportedly keen to work under van Gaal again.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly ready to spend £15 million to secure the services of Arsenal's unwanted defender Thomas Vermaelen.
Although Arsenal were willing to let the Belgian defender go for a cut-price deal, the Red Devils are willing to pay over the odds to discourage the advances of Barcelona.
The Red Devils were once in pole position to sign the defender. But after Barcelona recently made a £10 million offer for the 28-year-old, United were forced to up their bid as the Gunners are more comfortable selling the Belgian to the Catalan club than to a direct Premier League rival.
Barcelona are now unlikely to match or raise the Red Devils' offer for the defender, who only made seven starts in the Premier League last season.
