The Dutchman wants to sign Martins Indi.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has identified FC Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi as the ideal January signing to help improve his back line, according to the Sun.
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Van Gaal knows the 22-year-old well from their time working together with the Netherlands national team and Martins Indi was a key figure in the boss’ 2014 World Cup team.
The Red Devils showed interest in the Dutchman over the summer, but in the end Porto completed the swoop to sign the centre-back from Feyenoord for £6m.
Van Gaal missed out on Martins Indi because he wanted to analyse what he currently had at Old Trafford before making any major decisions on transfers.
However, since then it has become clear that defensive recruitment is greatly needed, with the summer departure of veterans Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic having had a great impact on the side.
Although Phil Jones has impressed since being reverted back to central defence, the England international has spent much of the season injured and the likes of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have failed to fill the void.
Martins Indi also has the bonus of being able to play at left-back, which would please van Gaal as he searches for competition for Luke Shaw as well and it’s thought the Dutch ace would set them back around £10m.