Manchester United Target Move in Signing Ajax Star Daley Blind

Manchester United are reportedly set to sign Ajax skipper Daley Blind this summer, according to the Mirror.

The left-back had an impressive season with the Dutch club, which has seen him being included in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old delivered a brilliant pass to Robin van Persie to score his side's first goal during their 5-1 win over Spain during their opening fixture in the World Cup.

The report claims Blind could follow incoming manager Louis van Gaal to Old Trafford if he continues to impress for his national side during the summer event.

The Dutch international's father, Danny Blind, is the 62-year-old's assistant with the Netherlands.

Blind developed at Ajax under Frank de Boer, who turned him into a defensive midfielder. However, Van Gaal prefers him at the left-back position and is aware of his ability to feature in multiple roles.

United have Patrice Evra in the left-back position and the French international signed a new one-year deal to extend his Old Trafford stay.

The Red Devils have also been linked with a move in signing Southampton star Luke Shaw on a £30m deal.

However, the Saints are playing hardball in letting their player, who came from Southampton academy, leave the club this summer. Meanwhile, Ajax are willing to allow Blind leave the club if United are ready to pay £12m for the Dutch defender.

A move for Blind would be a cheaper option for United in finding a long-term replacement for Evra. Van Gaal has closely worked with his compatriot and a move to Old Trafford for the left-back could likely end Shaw's hopes of signing for the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal has praised Blind for his performance during the Netherlands' opening World Cup fixture against Spain.

"The pass from Daley Blind for Van Persie was fantastic, the finish was great. There was so much feeling. If you can make a goal in that way it's great ... really fantastic. It was great that he (Van Persie) came to me. That is a sign of appreciation and that appreciation is mutual," Van Gaal said.