Manchester United Transfer News: Rumored Big Deals Targeted by Louis van Gaal

As David De Gea seemingly edges toward a Manchester United exit, Louis van Gaal is reportedly lining up his replacement in the form of Petr Cech.

Speaking to TalkSport, the Daily Mail's Mike Keegan stated that United are keeping tabs on Cech's situation. He said: "It certainly seems De Gea is on his way. Petr Cech is on their radar."

If De Gea does indeed depart Old Trafford, United could scarcely ask for a more experienced stopper.

The 33-year-old may have lost his No. 1 spot to Thibaut Courtois, but he remains an outstanding goalkeeper and would serve as a more than adequate replacement for the Spaniard.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Cech made just seven league appearances this season but kept an incredible five clean sheets in that time, conceding just twice.

Indeed, Opta Joe notes that Cech has an exceptional clean sheet record in the Premier League:

Though Cech may not be an especially long-term signing, his acquisition would allow Van Gaal to put United's goalkeeping saga to bed and concentrate on improving the calibre of personnel in front of him.

As plenty of suitors are no doubt monitoring the Czech international with keen interest, his signature would be something of a coup and show rival clubs that United still possess serious muscle in the transfer market.

Robin van Persie Set to Leave Old Trafford?

According to Will Giles of Metro, Lazio are close to signing Robin van Persie. The Dutchman added fuel to the speculative fire on Saturday when he was pictured arriving in Rome by Italian journalist Valerio Cassetta:

The 31-year-old is showing signs of age and has struggled to replicate the form he showed in his first season with the Red Devils after making the switch from Arsenal.

After scoring 30 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, Van Persie managed 18 in his second and just 10 this campaign, as well as registering fewer and fewer assists each year.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Despite his decline, the Manchester Evening News' Rob Dawson believes the striker is "far from" finished.

However, it's hard to justify keeping on a player offering severely diminishing returns, particularly when he earns a reported £240,000 each week (h/t ESPN).

Here, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe discusses the Dutchman's future, arguing it is time for Van Persie to be moved on:

According to Vaishali Bhardwaj of the London Evening Standard, Lazio President Claudio Lotito was quick to dismiss the rumours.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, he said: "Van Persie? Haven’t you figured this out yet? It’s all rubbish! Total bull! [Agent Vincenzo] Morabito is the one trying to spread these rumours."

While Van Persie, 32 in August, may simply be visiting Rome to enjoy the sights, his days with the Red Devils are clearly numbered.

United would do well to cash in on him while they can and use the resulting income to bring in a new striker, preferably one with pace to save Angel Di Maria from being played out of position or James Wilson carrying too much pressure on his young shoulders.

Van Persie may not be heading to Lazio, but the time is right for him and United to part ways. Expect him to leave Old Trafford in the summer.