United want Dutch forward Depay

MANCHESTER — Manchester United will intensify their interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay, who was scheduled to play for the Netherlands against Spain in a friendly in Amsterdam on Monday (yesterday morning, Singapore time).

Louis van Gaal, who recruited six players and off-loaded 14 following his appointment as United manager last summer, is planning to add at least four new signings to his squad at the end of this season.

Mexican forward Javier Hernandez, who is on loan at Real Madrid, is set to be sold on his return to Old Trafford, despite admitting that he saw no future at the Bernabeu due to his confidence being at “rock bottom”.

Depay, 21, has emerged as a potential target, however, after scoring 17 goals for the Eredivisie leaders following his return from the 2014 World Cup.

PSV coach Phillip Cocu has compared Depay to Bayern Munich’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben and admitted last month that his club were resigned to losing the £20 million-rated (S$40.8 million) player at the end of the season.

“At some point, it becomes clear that (Depay) is ready for the next step,” Cocu said. “And yes, I think he’s going to leave PSV after this season.”

Depay, who is also being watched by Paris Saint-Germain, was handed his international debut at aged 19, against Turkey in October 2013 by Van Gaal, who believes that the player can operate on both flanks and as a secondary forward.

While United are not planning to sell £59.7 million British record-signing Angel di Maria, despite the Argentine’s battle for form at Old Trafford, the likely departure of the on-loan Radamel Falcao back to his parent club Monaco has ensured that Van Gaal will look to bolster his attacking options in the summer.

Depay’s youth, versatility and goal return, albeit in the Dutch league, have led to his climbing United’s target list and the club will monitor him against Spain, a game that is also expected to feature Old Trafford pair Daley Blind and David de Gea.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH