Manchester United: Seamus Coleman would be a 'good fit' at Old Trafford says Paul McGrath

Former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath has endorsed the club's reported pursuit of Seamus Coleman, claiming that the Everton full-back would be a "good fit" at Old Trafford and expressing hope that he will be signed by manager Louis van Gaal this summer.

Coleman has won plenty of admirers with impressive and consistent displays since establishing himself as a regular first-teamer at Goodison Park in the aftermath of a 2009 switch from League of Ireland outfit Sligo Rovers and a brief loan spell at Blackpool.

Sky Sports reported on 29 June that Van Gaal was interested in signing the 26-year-old, although further revealed that a formal offer for his services has yet to be tabled.

United are believed to be eager to strengthen their options at right-back ahead of next season. The club were said by ESPN to have rekindled their interest in Barcelona stalwart Dani Alves earlier this month, although that particular pursuit was finally brought to an end after the Brazilian international agreed to extend his contract at the Nou Camp by a further two years.

Nathaniel Clyne was previously believed to be another prominent target but the highly-rated Southampton defender appears set for an imminent £12.5m ($19.6m) switch to Liverpool amid claims from the Daily Mail that he will undergo a medical shortly.

With Alves and Clyne no longer seen as viable options, Van Gaal seems to have switched his attentions to Coleman and McGrath, who became a popular figure with supporters during a seven-year stint at United between 1982-89, evidently believes his compatriot would be an ideal signing.

"I definitely think he (Coleman) would be a good fit for Manchester United," he told Talksport. "He has got every attribute a right-back wants. He works so hard, is a good defender, and has got an engine like no other. I think he would be great for Manchester United and I really hope that is one of the deals that goes through."

The Mirror suggest that United would have to spend around £15m ($23.5m) to land Coleman, but they are likely to be met with stern resistance given the player's importance to Everton under Roberto Martinez.