Manchester United Transfer News: Major Rumours on Louis Van Gaal's Summer Plans

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hardly been stubborn with the club’s transfer kitty since he arrived at Old Trafford, and as the summer window approaches, it doesn’t look like he’s about to change his tune.

The Dutchman has already secured the services of countryman Memphis Depay for the upcoming campaign, but it appears that he’s far from finished.

Here’s a look at the United boss’ plans for what could be a very busy next few months.

Thomas Muller

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Bayern Munich hot shot Thomas Muller is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar, with Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC writing that the Red Devils will launch a summer bid for the forward.

The German World Cup winner has enjoyed another fruitful campaign in the Bundesliga this term—chalking up 13 goals and creating 10 more, according to WhoScored.com—but his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola is apparently a little rocky.

The duo appeared to argue when Muller was hauled off in the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou, and that has sparked his exit rumours.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

Meanwhile, Muller has made no secret of his admiration for Van Gaal, as Delaney wrote that he’s “known to look up to his former boss.”

The Dutchman managed Bayern at the turn of the decade and gave the 25-year-old his first taste of regular first-team action, so it’s clear that the pair’s respect is mutual.

While Van Gaal will be looking to use his relationship with Muller to lure him away from the Allianz Arena, it will prove a lot trickier than it sounds.

Bayern are unlikely to let one of their favourite sons leave the club, while Muller hardly appears unsatisfied with life in Munich. Football writer Chris Winterburn reflected on as much via Twitter:

Plus, it looks as if the feud with Guardiola is all water under the bridge now, as Muller recently said his emotions just got the better of him, per Alberto Ortega of Marca:

"A manager doesn't have to explain every change and I'm not going to ask him to. I'm emotional on the pitch and I think that's good. But I don't complain afterwards. The manager is the boss. No team can work without respecting that."

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

So, even though Van Gaal is reportedly looking to launch a bid upwards of £30 million, it’s doubtful it will be enough.

Bayern aren’t known for their transfer greed, but letting arguably their best player go just isn’t good sense for a side at the top of the European game.

Still, United undoubtedly have to do something about their striker situation, and one of their biggest-name players could well be on the way out.

Robin van Persie

Jon Super/Associated Press

It’s safe to say that the 2014/15 season hasn’t been an enjoyable one for Robin van Persie.

Everyone anticipated another masterclass campaign from the Dutch striker after teaming up with his international boss, but it’s been more of a whimper.

Injuries haven’t helped his cause, sure, but the 31-year-old’s haul of just 10 league goals in 25 starts—per WhoScored—is poor for a finisher of his calibre.

Even so, he’s still apparently good enough for Real Madrid, as Lee Thomas-Mason of Metro reports that Los Blancos are in the hunt for his signature.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Madrid are the kind of side that need a predator in the box—someone to finish off the flowing moves of their flair players.

Van Persie has undoubtedly proved the perfect candidate for such a job in the past but, based on this season, he may well finally be in decline.

Should United accept any bid from Madrid, it would clear the way for them to sign a new striker, such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani.

Sam Tighe and Ryan Bailey sat down to discuss Van Gaal’s transfer policy, saying that Cavani could be a logical choice for United if Van Persie departs:

It’s still unclear as to whether or not Radamel Falcao will keep his name on the club’s books, although it seems unlikely.

Van Gaal needs to clear out the deadwood and forge an attacking line that’ll strike fear into opposition—Van Persie and Falcao just don’t carry that level of intimidation anymore.

Either way, it appears a new attacking face will be heading to Old Trafford this summer, it’s just up to Van Gaal to ensure that he chooses the right man for the job.