Louis van Gaal's Man Utd edge closer towards landing £80,000-a-week Dutch star De Jong

MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on the signing of Netherlands midfield enforcer Nigel De Jong.

WANTED: Manchester United are edging closer towards signing Nigel de Jong

According to reports, Louis van Gaal has identified De Jong as a defensive midfielder with valuable experience for his young side.

De Jong currently plys his trade for Italian outfit AC Milan, but is available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Though United will save valuable pennies on a transfer fee, they will have to meet the player's steep £80,000-a-week wage demands to lure him to Old Trafford.

The Milan midfielder is undoubtedly a good player, and is still more than capable of competing at the highest level - but many will question whether he is an improvement on Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini or Ander Herrera.

De Jong featured in five of Holland's World Cup clashes whilst under the tenure of Van Gaal, and played a pivotal role in helping achieve an impressive third-place finish.