United looking to secure deals for two of Louis van Gaal’s countrymen when the window reopens.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal could be handed £30 million to spend in the January transfer window, with two of his Dutch stars from his time in charge of the national team heading his wish list, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News.
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Van Gaal already spent a princely sum in the summer on the likes of Angel di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera, but it is widely accepted that more strengthening is required and United proved themselves to be willing to spend in the winter window last year when they splashed out on Juan Mata from rivals Chelsea.
Here are the two players that could be following his lead by securing a January move to Old Trafford:
Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
The Aston Villa central defender was one of the surprise stars of van Gaal’s Netherlands side at the summer jamboree and, despite his struggles with form and fitness at Villa Park, Paul Lambert’s captain seems to remain high on the Dutchman’s wishlist as he looks to add some TLC to a creaky defence. The report does suggest that comments from chief executive Ed Woodward suggesting that United were not looking for “quick fixes” could count against Vlaar, considering the former Feyenoord man’s age, but it is clear that the Red Devils do need defensive work.
Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
The second Dutchman linked by the report is another long term United target in the shape of AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, although the former PSV star did miss out on the World Cup with a long term injury that he has only just returned from. Strootman is yet to refind his form at the Stadio Olimpico since his return to action, meaning that the deal would carry a significant risk, but he is knows to be a player who van Gaal is a huge fan of. One issue could be the fee, however, with many previous reports having suggested that it would take more than the £30m sum mentioned alone to secure Strootman.
Manchester United transfer news