Manchester United Transfer News: Dutch Winger Memphis Depay Likely Target For Van Gaal

Manchester United are reportedly interested in young PSV Eindhoven winger and Dutch national Memphis Depay. The 21-year-old star is set to hit the transfer market and is reportedly drawing interest from United along with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The talented Dutchman is reportedly valued at about £15 million and is a prime target of United boss Louis Van Gaal when the summer transfer window opens, according to Express. This does not come as a total surprise, since Van Gaal and Depay are quite familiar with one another. The winger burst onto the world scene in the 2014 World Cup under then-Netherlands-manager Van Gaal. Depay scored as an impact substitute against Australia and Chile for a Dutch side that reached the semifinals.

Depay has carried his sterling play from the World Cup into the season with Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven. The first-place squad have a comfortable 11-point margin atop the Eredivisie table over rival Ajax, and Depay has been a major component in the attack.

A proven scorer, Depay has netted 20 goals for PSV to lead the club. Not just a poacher around the box, he often creates chances with darting dribbles and well-timed runs behind the defense’s back line. Depay’s speed and creativity are assets that most sides would be keen on adding. Manchester United, currently fourth on the Premier League table, have been a bit stagnant with the ball at times and could likely use an injection of Depay's skills.

PSV director Toon Gerbrands has admitted that star Depay might be on the move at the end of the season. It might be a costly move for any buyer, however, considering a prior Tottenham offer the Dutch side rejected.

"Tottenham were willing to offer 20 million euros for Depay," Gerbrands told reporters. "We decided to keep hold of him.

"But he has the option to leave after this season…So far, no one has come forward with an offer but I expect we will come under great pressure."

If Van Gaal is set on acquiring his former player, United may have to pay a pretty hefty sum. Spurs are willing to match their previous £20 million offer, which falls in line with PSV’s valuation, according to Metro. Van Gaal’s reported offer skews closer to the £10 million range, according to the same Metro report. In the summer transfer window, it seems that two Premier League sides will be in direct competition to land the talented winger’s services.