Manchester United Transfer News: Memphis Depay Tops Louis Van Gaal Targets

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly marked compatriot Memphis Depay to be his first summer signing, eyeing a £10 million move for the PSV youngster, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.

The 20-year-old forward was a member of the Netherlands squad Van Gaal guided to a third-placed finish at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, introducing himself to the world with a series of impressive appearances off the bench.

According to Nixon, the tricky forward and Van Gaal got on very well during the tournament, leading to optimism this transfer will go through once the summer window opens:

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He has been dubbed the Dutch Cristiano Ronaldo, attracting interest from big hitters in the Premier League and Europe.

But United are leading the race to sign him.

Van Gaal and Depay get on well — and sources close to the player and his advisers are convinced the move will happen.

"

Rumours regarding a potential transfer started to swirl after the World Cup, and as Nixon pointed out, some of the continent's biggest clubs were linked with a move for the Dutch talent.

At the time, clubs were interested based on his incredible potential, but that is no longer the case. Depay is enjoying a fantastic 2014-15 season, playing a key role in PSV's run to the top of the Eredivisie standings. As shared by Dutch Football, his statistics against NAC Breda were nothing short of sensational:

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Memphis Depay's stats tonight: 7 shots 8 successful dribbles 1 goal 3 key passes pic.twitter.com/6ZfpWMndkC

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) February 3, 2015"

Depay's improved efficiency stands out, and it should serve him well once he decides to leave the Dutch Eredivisie, which has a bad reputation when it comes to defending.

The Wall Street Journal's Gabriele Marcotti recently looked at the track record of strikers who left the league for competitions with a higher standard of defending, coming to the conclusion the majority experience a major drop in production.

Depay isn't a striker, however. He favours a spot out on the wing, and it's remarkable he's still capable of leading the Eredivisie in goals despite his increased responsibilities in midfield:

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Depay is now the Eredivisie top scorer.

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) February 3, 2015"

The budding star signed a new deal with PSV in August of last year, per BBC Sport, and given his remarkable talent and the many teams who are reportedly interested in his services, a £10 million offer seems very low.

Depay hasn't had many chances to produce on the international level, and some believe the youngster would be better served staying in the Netherlands for the foreseeable future.

Guud Hiddink, who coaches the national team, told Helden Magazine (h/t Football Oranje's Michael Bell) there's still much to learn for the PSV man, saying: “Depay is a talent but he still has much to learn. Robben is a good example. If Memphis wants to get far as him, he must first overcome setbacks.”

Depay seems ready to leave his native Netherlands, however, and with United lacking pace and athleticism to surround forwards Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, the Red Devils seem a strong fit.

A move for the Dutch talent would certainly help wash away memories of the winter transfer window, which fans should see as a major disappointment, according to Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey:

Depay seems like a transfer United should be able to complete without too much effort. He's a young, productive player ready to make the step up in competition, and if things don't immediately work out, there's plenty of time left for him to get used to the Premier League.

The price tag suggested by The Sun's Nixon seems incredibly low, but even at a fee of about £20 million, the Dutch international should provide good value.

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