Manchester United Transfer News: Louis van Gaal Talks James Wilson Loan Rumours

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has opened up on the possibility of seeing up-and-coming striker James Wilson leave his ranks on an emergency loan in the coming days.

Days after fellow prospect Adnan Januzaj left for Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan switch, Wilson could also leave Old Trafford on a temporary deal, Van Gaal told the official Manchester United website:

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It is the same thing that I have said to James Wilson. I have said the same thing, only James has to go to a Championship club, so then I can call him back if my striker is injured. Then we need him and then he would have more playing time.

But for Wilson, another year in the same way as last year is not good for his development. It is not good for Januzaj either. This is why we let players go on loan and we don't sell, because we believe in the quality of Januzaj and in the quality of Wilson.

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The Dutch tactician spoke highly of the opportunities Januzaj is likely to receive playing as a "nine or a 10" at Signal Iduna Park and hopes for Wilson to receive similar chances this season.

As FourFourTwo's Sam Pilger pointed out, it comes in the same period that United allowed attackers Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez, Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Nani to leave their squad:

Wilson sits as one of the most promising young assets currently rising through United's academy, having already scored four goals in 18 appearances for the first team.

The England under-21 international made two Premier League starts under Van Gaal last season and came on as a substitute 11 times, but he was regularly played out of position out wide.

Competition	Games	Goals	Games per Goal
Premier League	13	1	0.08
Under-21 Premier League	10	4	0.4
FA Cup	3	1	0.33
League Cup	1	0	0.0
Total	27	6	0.22

According to the Mirror's Liam Corless, as many as 14 clubs are interested in taking the 19-year-old on loan after he scored on his England under-21 debut against the United States earlier in September.

Derby County manager Paul Clement admits to being among those already in contact with the Red Devils regarding the forward, per the Press Association:

It's worth pointing out that while Van Gaal may not see major use for Wilson at present, his insistence on an emergency loan deal suggests he still sees the player as a viable back-up option in attack.

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade is also eyeing a move for the teenager, according to Squawka:

The £36 million arrival of France striker Anthony Martial has increased competition up front at United, with captain Wayne Rooney standing as the senior frontman following the summer exodus of players.

The figure paid to land Martial has been largely viewed as extreme, and even Van Gaal has admitted the numbers involved in his acquisition were "ridiculous," per the Guardian.

Some might therefore argue the club would have been better off placing more faith in the talents of Wilson, who turns 20 on December 1 and is four days senior to mega-money Martial.

Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford benefited greatly from a loan move to Championship side Middlesbrough last season, scoring 19 goals in 43 outings, and United will hope Wilson grows rapidly from any temporary exit.