Manchester United: Louis van Gaal set to make big money move for Napoli star Gonzalo Higuain

Manchester United are considering a big money move in signing Napoli star Gonzalo Higuain this summer, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

The 27-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Real Madrid in 2013 and since then, he has been in fine form. This season, the striker has scored 25 goals and managed 10 assists in all competitions.

The 20-times English champions already allowed Radamel Falcao to return to AS Monaco after the end of his season-long loan spell. Louis van Gaal has Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, along with James Wilson as the first choice strikers in the squad.

United strikers have struggled to score regularly this season and the Dutchman has identified to bolster his attacking division for the next season. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has turned his attention on Higuain.

Napoli have already confirmed their manager Rafael Benitez will leave the club after the last game against Lazio. The clash on Sunday is a must win game for Napoli as only three points will help them make it to the next season's Champions League.

Failing to qualify for Europe's elite club competition will see the Italian club struggle to keep hold of the Argentine international. Higuain's brother, who is also his agent, is set to hold talks with Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis to discuss the striker's future.

The former Real star's contract with his current employers runs down in 2018 and with three years left, Napoli will be unwilling to let their striker leave the club in the summer transfer window.

United will be looking to test Napoli's resolve by making a huge bid as Van Gaal is looking to add more fire power to his strike force to challenge for the title next term. Higuain is also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone wants his compatriot at the Spanish capital club.

However, the Old Trafford club are confident they can beat Atletico in securing the South American striker's signature.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claims United will be open to allow Van Persie leave the club in order to bring Higuain to Old Trafford. The former Arsenal striker is attracting interest from Juventus and the Dutch international could make a switch to Italy in the summer transfer window. His potential exit will make way for Van Gaal to sign the Argentine striker.