Manchester United will hand manager Louis van Gaal a stunning January transfer budget.

The Manchester Evening News says Van Gaal is believed to be keen on strengthening his squad in the winter window.

His compatriots Kevin Strootman, the Roma defensive midfielder, and Aston Villa centre-back Ron Vlaar are two standout contenders to join the Reds in January.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in November United were not looking for "short-term fixes", which could count against Vlaar, who will captain Aston Villa against United at the weekend, with Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels still a target.

United spent a club record £37.1m to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea in January.