Manchester United Transfer News: Memphis Depay Talks Opened, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Memphis Depay and his representatives over a possible summer transfer for the Dutch star.

PSV Eindhoven's Depay is on his way out of the Eredivisie in the upcoming transfer window, and previous reports had put Liverpool in the driving seat to sign the 21-year-old winger, per The Sun (h/t James Whaling of the Daily Mirror).

However, the Red Devils, long-rumoured to be interested in Depay, have now reportedly "discussed a move" with the player and his agent, Kees Ploegsma, per AD Sportwereld (h/t Samuel Luckhurst in the Manchester Evening News).

Depay has a strong relationship with United boss Louis van Gaal after the pair worked together for the Dutch national team, and apparently the 63-year-old has had personal discussions with the youngster over a move to Old Trafford.

As Dutch football expert Elko Born notes, Van Gaal's influence could be key in persuading Depay to join United, but it is far from a guaranteed move:

At present, it now seems to be a straight shootout for Depay's signature between Liverpool and United; Paris St-Germain having pulled out of the running over Financial Fair Play concerns, per L’Equipe (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express). 

Estimates over Depay's value differ, with Perrin reporting a mooted transfer fee of £25 million, while Luckhurst reports €25 million (£18.65 million).

Either valuation is obviously quite high for such a young player, unproven in a top league, but Depay does look to be a fine talent.

He has netted 21 times this season in the league as PSV have won the title, per WhoScored.com, and his passing game and movement could prove invaluable to United's attack.

In the Red Devils' last three outings, they have failed to score while dominating possession, per football writer Richard Jolly:

They have lacked ideas in attack, failing to cause defences real problems and lacking pace and incisive movement. Depay could add such an element to Van Gaal's attacking unit.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes United need to change their lineup in attack over the summer:

While Depay is not an out and out striker, he is an effective attacker, and he would add goals to the United front line. The Red Devils have been lacking in the goalscoring department this season, with Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao struggling to get on the scoresheet.

The youngster would be a worthy addition at Old Trafford, as he has the potential to become truly world-class, and it seems United are closing in on a deal to snap him up.