Louis van Gaal unsure if Manchester United will sign another striker

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has backtracked on claims he wants to sign another striker before the transfer window closes.

Following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao the United boss appeared to hint at a press conference on Monday 20 July that he was looking to add more firepower to his squad.

But the Dutchman would not shed any light on who the club are considering bringing in, cryptically telling reporters in America that his target is not one that has been mentioned in the media.

"He's in the process," van Gaal said. "It is not the striker that the media has written about. You have to wait and see. The transfer period is open until 31 August. You have to wait."

But addressing the media after United's second preseason game, a 3-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday, van Gaal continued to toy with the press over the club's next move in the transfer market.

"I don't know if I want to buy a striker," he told reporters, Sky Sports report. "Because I have read in the media that the striker is the surprise. No. I did not say that. You said that. I meant something else."

The United boss also refused to provide any further clarification on the future of Angel Di Maria at Old Trafford. French newspaper Le Parisen claimed earlier in July that Paris Saint-Germain were hoping to seal a €60m (£43m, $65m) move for the Argentina international with manager Laurent Blanc later confirming his interest in the Premier League's record signing.

But when asked if there had been any developments over the player's future, van Gaal said: "You can ask every time but it is a process. When we think we have to say something I shall say it. But he shall come on 25 July."

Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez will link up with the United squad on 25 July having had extended holidays following international commitments.