Daley Blind Open to Joining Manchester United

Manchester United's hopes of adding depth to their defence have been boosted after Netherlands international Daley Blind admitted he will consider leaving Ajax should an offer come his way.

Blind has been rumoured to be linking up with his former national team boss Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, a move which would significantly improve United's defensive options, which are currently wafer thin, heading into the new season.

Despite the speculation, Blind has started the new Eredivisie season with Ajax, as Frank de Boer's side kicked off their attempts to win a record fifth successive Dutch title with a 4-1 win over Vitesse. But the 24-year-old concedes he would consider a move to United should a bid be submitted.

"For me it's just about waiting," he told Sky Sports. "I am happy in Amsterdam. If something comes my way then I am going to think about it. Let's see what the options are but for now I focus on Ajax and see what happens next week."

Ajax boss De Boer added: "I am convinced that he will make the right choice. If he goes to a big club he deserves it, but I think it is better to stay one year. Last year was a good thing for him, but I still think he can improve but also with Ajax."

Man United's new manager Van Gaal has identified the defence and wings as the positions in need of surgery before the summer transfer window ends, after taking over what he has labelled an 'unbalanced squad' from David Moyes.

Van Gaal's intention to play three central defenders also reinforces the theory that United's priority during the remaining weeks of the transfer window will be additional defenders, with the club only possessing three senior centre-backs in Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

However, new signings to add to Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw are not expected before the Premier League season opener against Swansea City on Saturday.