Manchester United earmark Jasper Cillessen as David de Gea's replacement

Manchester United have earmarked Jasper Cillessen as the man to marshal the posts at Old Trafford following the possible departure of David de Gea to Real Madrid, according to the Daily Mirror.

Louis van Gaal has urged goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek to draw up a list of candidates who can replace the Spaniard at Old Trafford should he leave in the summer. Cillessen has emerged top of his list of targets for a move in the upcoming window with the Dutch goalkeeper in good terms with Louis van Gaal since his time with the Netherlands national team.

Cillessen is currently plying his trade with Ajax who are bracing themselves for an imminent £20m bid from United for the player but will face harsh opposition from the Dutch club, who are unwilling to let the player leave this summer. Cillessen will be a brilliant addition to the squad and will fill the void left by the departure of De Gea, who has been their player of the season in the recently concluded campaign.

At 26, he has his best years ahead and showed his potential as he made a series of brilliant saves to take Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup, where they were beaten by eventual runners-up Argentina.

Hoek has previously worked with the United legend Edwin van der Saar and is confident that Cillessen can grow to replicate the Dutchman's success at Old Trafford.

United have also been linked with a move for Petr Cech, but Arsenal have emerged favourites to sign the player, with the Czech Republic international keen to stay in London, where his family is settled.

They are also planning a swoop for Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to play for a club in the Champions League.

However, Tottenham want at least £25m for the player, an amount which United would be unwilling to match.