New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal plans to use his Ajax network to boost their defence next season. The People says Van Gaal knows he has to strengthen United's defence following the exits of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and the uncertainty surrounding Patrice Evra's future and he wants either Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen or Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham.
The pair regard the Dutch coach so highly they will sacrifice a year out of European football to move.
Van Gaal knows both centre-halves well, having watched them come through the ranks at Ajax when he was at AZ Alkmaar.
But should Spurs replace Tim Sherwood with Frank de Boer it will reduce the chances of Vertonghen's departure as the 27-year-old made his name under De Boer at Ajax.
