Manchester United have opened talks to sign Dutch left-back Daley Blind from Ajax.
United boss Van Gaal is looking to bulk and shape up his own squad in order to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
And now it is undersood that official contact has been made between Ajax and United over a deal to bring th left-back to Old Trafford this summer.
Blind is hot property at the moment, after enjoying a successful World Cup campaign in Brazil, where Netherlands finished third.
After some excellent performances it is said that the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool are tracking the left-back, but United have emerged as front-runners.
Blind is valued around £20m but Van Gaal will be hoping to agree a lesser fee, with Patrice Evra heading for Juventus in the coming days.
By Ollie Brown follow me on twitter: @ollbrowner
