Manchester United set to seal deal to bring former City midfield hardman to Old Trafford

30 March 2015 11:19

Louis van Gaal's Manchester United are set to finally sign former Manchester City midfield enforcer Nigel De Jong during the summer, after being repeatedly linked with the Netherlands international since van Gaal took the job as Red Devils boss in 2014.

De Jong would bring an aggressiveness that is currently lacking from United's midfield, with only Fellaini posing any real physical presence for van Gaal's side.

Nigel De Jong's current deal with struggling Italian side AC Milan expires this summer and will be able to leave the club as a free agent. Van Gaal – who is a known admirer of the 30-year-old – managed De Jong during last years World Cup and has stipulated to Manchester United chiefs that he must be signed as the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss continues to rebuild the Old Trafford club.

The midfielder would cost United nothing in terms of transfer fees and would only be asking for around £80,000-a-week in salary. A small amount compared to a number of United's high earners.

Current Serie A leaders Juventus are also thought to be interested in De Jong's services but potentially teaming up with van Gaal is too big of a draw for the player, meaning he'll choose Manchester over Turin.

Source: DSG