Could it be Dutch delight at Old Trafford?
Dutch international Memphis Depay has arrived in England for talks with Manchester United, ahead of a proposed transfer in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
Fresh from helping PSV Eindhoven to a first Eredivisie triumph since 2008, the 21-year-old has reportedly met with United representatives to discuss a £25m summer deal.
Depay is a familiar face to Louis Van Gaal, having previously played under the Manchester United manager, for the Netherlands at the World Cup finals in Brazil last summer.
United are ready to spend big again this summer, in pursuit to win a 21st Premier league crown, with Depay, who has found the net 27 times this season, just one option that Van Gaal has at his disposal.
Reports suggest that the 63-year-old has been rewarded with a transfer budget of £150m, with United on-course for a return to the Champions League, following an exile of one year from the top table of European football.
Similar to last summer, when the Red Devils’ broke the British transfer record, by signing Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for £60m, Van Gaal is hoping to go all out, and splash the cash once again.
Gareth Bale remains a target
United’s vice-chairman Ed Woodward, hopes that the club can potentially entice Gareth Bale to return to England, and make an unlikely switch to Manchester United this summer.
Woodward tried to hijack Bale’s £83 million move to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, ultimately failing in his pursuit of the Welshman of course.
However, with the 25-year-old experiencing somewhat of a tough time in Spain, United would be tempted to try and lure him back to the Premier league.
Despite Bale having an exceptional season at Real in the 2013/14 season, winning the European Cup, and Copa Del Rey, he has struggled for fitness this term, with several members of the Bernabeu faithful questioning the performances of their record signing.
Bale has been linked with a move for a long time now, and it is unlikely that any deal would be done at this point, despite the interest of Woodward, who would be willing to throw a daft amount of money at Madrid in order to woo Bale.
It is set to be a straight choice for Van Gaal to choose, Depay or Bale?
Depay remains the realistic option for United, as he fits into Van Gaal’s philosophy, so Manchester United fans, who would you prefer?
Comment on the sillyseason Facebook or Twitter page!
by Ben Reardon
