Manchester United Transfer News: Louis Van Gaal Wish List Revealed, Top Rumours

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal knows who he wants to upgrade midfield and who he wants to replace potentially outgoing goalkeeper David de Gea.

For the former, the Old Trafford chief is close to wrapping up a £7.5 million deal for Bastian Schweinsteiger, according to Sunday People writer Steve Bates (h/t Mirror).

Bates claims Van Gaal believes a deal can soon be struck for the midfield pass-master he once tutored at Bayern Munich: "Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal is confident he can lure his former player away from the Allianz Arena, and transfer negotiator Ed Woodward has been tasked with making it happen."

Bates also carries a quote from former Germany international mainstay Lothar Matthaus endorsing what a move to the Premier League would mean for Schweinsteiger's career: “Schweinsteiger needs a coach who will play him according to his strengths, and Van Gaal will do that."

That quote likely comes from a SportBild column penned by the longtime international Matthaus. He also argued that now is the time for Schweinsteiger to adopt a very specific position (h/t Goal writer Mark Doyle): "There is no doubt he is intelligent enough and has the right overview to further take over the role as a conductor in the holding midfield."

Matthaus doesn't believe current Bayern chief Pep Guardiola has enough confidence in Schweinsteiger.

Certainly, a player as gifted and intelligent in possession shouldn't be wasted by Guardiola's style of play. Yet while Guardiola favours a possession-based game, his philosophy calls for short passing and patient build-up.

Schweinsteiger has generally been a little more direct. He likes to make late runs into the box and has always possessed an underrated eye for goal.

The competition for places at Bayern is also an issue. When Munich won the UEFA Champions League in the 2012/13 season, Schweinsteiger was part of a two-pronged midfield pivot alongside Basque bruiser Javi Martinez. But Guardiola has often favoured veteran Xabi Alonso and young upstart Thiago Alcantara.

B/R analyst Sam Tighe has detailed the sheer volume of talent in front of Schweinsteiger at Bayern:

Yet while Guardiola may trust others ahead of Schweinsteiger, Van Gaal knows what the player can do. He helped develop the midfielder from raw prospect to established first-team talent while in Munich. Schweinsteiger certainly fits the type of possession-heavy game Van Gaal preaches.

Of course, the Red Devils already feature their own deep-lying conductor in the form of Michael Carrick. But the 33-year-old's injury woes have to rate as a concern.

Van Gaal could pair Schweinsteiger and Carrick together at the base of midfield with Ander Herrera in front. Alternatively, he could use the latter in partnership with the Bayern man.

Either way, the player Guardiola has told to decide his own future, per Sky Sports, represents a true bargain at £7.5 million.

Jasper Cillessen Thinks Ajax Will Block United Move

Replacing De Gea still looks like Van Gaal's priority this summer, but one potential option won't be an easy get. Netherlands international Jasper Cillessen is aware of interest from United, but he believes Ajax will do everything to block his move, according to the Daily Mirror: “[Ajax coach] Frank de Boer has been very clear when he received questions about my transfer—he wants to block it.’’

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

However, the same source indicates Van Gaal and United won't be easily deterred from trying to push through a deal: "That will not put United off, however, and it is believed an offer in the region of £20 million could be enough to convince the Amsterdam club to sell."

It makes sense for Van Gaal to be keen on the player he trusted to tend goal for his country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Now the 26-year-old is being eyed up as the perfect replacement for De Gea, who continues to be chased by Real Madrid. The current United stopper has apparently even told team-mates he is ready to return to the Spanish capital, per MailOnline reporter Sami Mokbel: "Several of De Gea's United team-mates are convinced that it is now merely a case of when, and not if, a deal for the 'keeper to leave is sealed."

As a rising star at his position, though not nearly as accomplished as De Gea, Cillessen makes sense as a replacement who can be groomed to eventually reach the seemingly outgoing Spaniard's level.

De Gea himself made a slow start to life at Old Trafford, before blossoming into perhaps the best player at his position in the game. Cillessen's experience working with Van Gaal could prompt an even quicker transition, even though the price is certainly a little steep.

Van Gaal would be wise to secure a bargain deal for Schweinsteiger. His skill and experience would be invaluable to a squad needing some calm authority and stability following two years of major upheaval.

As for Cillessen, if Van Gaal rates him highly enough, he won't mind paying what's sure to be a hefty asking price.