Manchester United Transfer News: Louis van Gaal Close to Completing His First Signing

Louis van Gaal is reportedly on the verge of sealing his very first signing as Manchester United manager, following productive talks with Feyenoord over the transfer of defender Stefan de Vrij.

The 22-year-old, who was impressive for the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup, was believed to be a target of Italian side Lazio. But de Vrij is now understood keen to team up with Holland head coach van Gaal at Old Trafford.

The Daily Mirror claims United are close to securing the Dutchman's signature for a transfer fee of around £10 million.

The Red Devils, who are desperately in need of a new centre-back following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to Queens Park Rangers and Inter Milan respectively, were previously after Germany's Mats Hummels but were forced to look at other options, after the 25-year-old expressed his desire to continue at Borussia Dortmund.

And now, van Gaal feels that de Vrij, who has only a year remaining on his current contract with Feyenoord, is the right choice for United.

Meanwhile, van Gaal is also reportedly keen to sign Ajax wing-back Daley Blind, despite a host of top clubs including Barcelona, Arsenal  and Borussia Dortmund being interested in securing the defender's signature.

Capable of playing in the left-back as well as the in holding midfield position, the 24-year-old has attracted the attention of a lot of clubs, following his impressive performances for the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup.

It is believed that the player is also keen to team up with van Gaal after experiencing a good working relationship with him during the 2014 World Cup.

However, Blind seems to be keeping his options open as he was recently spotted in Barcelona, according to the Metro.

Barcelona, who also suffered a very disappointing campaign under former boss Gerardo Martino, are looking for new talent to strengthen their squad this summer.

Having already made quite a number of chances with the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, and the arrivals of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona's new manager Luis Enrique has proved that he is means business.

The Catalan club, who will certainly benefit from the addition of the versatile Blind, may be looking to tempt the Dutchman with Champions League football and better wages as he decides on his new destination this summer.