The defender had a successful operation over night in Holland, but is still not expected back for at lease six months.
Cole is now a free agent having fallen way out of favour at Roma, so is free to sign for Van Gaal’s side at any time. The fall out came around after the 34-year-old was left out of Roma’s Champions League squad.
His name was removed from the club’s website shortly after, so the man, widely regarded as England’s best ever left back, will now be looking for a new home.