Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Memphis Depay, Kyle Walker Rumours

Louis van Gaal is reportedly looking to inject pace into Manchester United's flanks with the acquisition of PSV Eindhoven starlet Memphis Depay and Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kyle Walker.

PSV coach Phillip Cocu recently revealed that he expects Depay to depart in the summer. Cocu spoke to Sport Express (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News): "Yes, I think he's going to leave PSV after this season."

Van Gaal reportedly has an excellent relationship with his Depay, who scored two goals under the current United manager's guidance at the 2014 World Cup. The player is enjoying an excellent season with runaway leaders PSV in the Eredivisie and currently tops the division's goalscoring charts with 15 strikes in 19 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

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Depay has also notched three goals in four Europa League displays heading into Thursday's tricky tie against Zenit Saint Petersburg. The left-sided forward possesses the speed United desperately need and would naturally help the side ramp up their currently faltering tempo.

Angel Di Maria is the only United player who flaunts the pace and incisiveness to consistently waltz beyond defenders, but he is better suited to a central role on the evidence of his first season in England.

It's certainly mouthwatering to consider what a left flank of Depay and Luke Shaw could offer in years to come. Both are the type of self-assured, confident youngster Van Gaal should invest his faith in. As noted by football writer Elko Born, LvG appears to hold considerable weight over Depay's future:

Van Gaal is also "believed to be a big fan" of Tottenham's Walker, reported by Barry Glendenning of the Guardian. Glendenning suggests that a summer move would likely set United back "the thick end of £20 million" due to the four years still remaining on Walker's contract.

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The English right-back has put together a decent run of form since returning from injury this season. He's only represented Spurs in 12 matches across all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino, per WhoScored.com, but his ambition to get forward has allowed the north London side to tighten up in central areas.

Pochettino's 4-2-3-1 formation sees the centre plugged and gives Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela room to move behind striker Harry Kane, meaning Walker's overlapping is vital. His defensive work has also improved, with Walker offering 2.6 tackles and 2.8 interceptions per match, recorded by WhoScored.com.

Glendenning believes Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne is also a target for United. Both he and Walker are likely to do battle for an England place in the coming years after Clyne's terrific season thrust him toward his Three Lions debut.

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Although not as quick as Walker, the Saints man can be considered a better all-rounder. Take a look at their comparable stats below:

Kyle Walker	Stat	Nathaniel Clyne
	Averages per EPL app.
9	Appearances	23
0	Goals	2
0	Assists	0
3	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	0
2.6	Tackles	3.9
2.8	Interceptions	1.9
1.1	Dribbles completed	0.7
0.9	Dispossessed	0.3
1.1	Fouls conceded	0.5
0.1	Crosses	0.5
0.2	Shots	0.5
80.7%	Pass accuracy	78.7%

Both players could certainly push both Rafael and Antonio Valencia out of the Red Devils' starting lineup. Van Gaal is wise to eye extra quality if he's going to revert to a transitional 3-5-2 formation that emphasises the use of marauding wingers who can double up as defensive and offensive outlets.

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United continue to struggle because of a lack of creativity. Their play is regimented and lacking an extra gear, something players such as Depay, Walker and Clyne could provide.

Granted, all three need to continue improving before their full potential is realised, but they could be smart acquisitions for this redeveloping United side. Depay is likely to be the most sought after, so United fans will be praying Van Gaal's personal relationship with the player can deliver an excellent signing.