Tom Cleverly could be asked to fill in as Manchester United's midfield anchor until Louis Van Gaal can sign Kevin Strootman in January.
Arturo Vidal could still arrive at Old Trafford this summer, but Van Gaal maintains that he would be just as happy to land Strootman.
The knee injury that ruled Strootman out of the World Cup is set to keep him sidelined until nearer the end of the year, but, according to Goal, Van Gaal could try and sign him then.
United have also reportedly looked into signing James McCarthy from Everton or William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon but have currently decided against making a move for either of the duo.
Van Gaal is also known to be keen on Memphis Depay - a more attacking player than any of the above - but is prepared to wait until next summer to land the youngster.
Louis Van Gaal is keen to land Kevin Strootman in January
And after Michael Carrick suffered an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined for at least 10 weeks, Van Gaal may turn to Cleverley to fill the void until January.
Cleverley became something of a lightning rod for criticism under David Moyes, with fans petitioning to have the former Wigan loan star omitted from the England squad.
But he could be handed an opportunity to play an important role under Van Gaal, at least in the short term.
It now remains to be seen whether Cleverley is able to take the opportunity to rehabilitate his image or whether United fans will be desperately waiting for January to arrive so they can sign Strootman.
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