Dutchman Depay deemed to delight Red Devils

We all thought that Louis van Gaal would turn Dutch in his Manchester United signings this summer. That still seems to be the case. New reports emerging from Fleet Street have linked the new boss with a move for PSV Eindhoven’s 20-year-old forward Memphis Depay.

Depay, who mainly operates in an attacking berth on the left, can also play as a striker and netted 12 times in the Eredivisie last season. This potential transfer suggests that Van Gaal, who has won league titles for every club that he has managed, is not only focused on building his philosophy around Dutch players, but youth as well.

Having already been connected with a move for highly-rated Southampton left back, Luke Shaw (18), and rumours of Netherands internationals Kevin Strootman (24) and Jordy Clasie (22) on the horizon, it appears significant progress is being made behind the scenes. The Red Devils are 6/1 to win the Premier League next season, odds that will drop significantly, if they strengthen substantially.

An advantage for Van Gaal is that Depay is in his World Cup squad, and could informally iron out personal terms with the player and his agent in between training sessions – theoretically the same applies to Clasie, though nothing concrete has materialised there yet.

The fee being mooted is in the region of £15m which, by today’s standards and the reported amount United have to spend on players, is merely a drop in the ocean.

It is clear that Depay is trusted by Van Gaal, after he was picked to line up alongside Robin van Persie in their World Cup warm-up friendly against Ecuador. Should that continue in the tournament, it gives the boss an ideal opportunity to hone the partnership for the next Premier League campaign. The Netherlands are 2/1 to reach the last 16 in Brazil, after being drawn in a group with Spain, Chile and Australia.

Serious questions will be raised as to where this signing could leave the likes of Javier Hernandez, and Danny Welbeck. With Wayne Rooney certain to stay, after penning his bumper new deal earlier in the year, it may be his starting place isn’t guaranteed, if United go double-Dutch up top next term.