Manchester United transfer news: Louis van Gaal confirms he wants to sign a midfielder

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he is looking to sign a midfielder, possibly in the summer transfer window.

After allowing Darren Fletcher to join West Bromwich Albion in the winter transfer window, the Dutchman is left with the services of Michael Carrick, Daley Blind, Ander Herrara and Marouane Fellaini as the first choice midfielders.

In United's last few fixtures, Van Gaal has fielded his captain Wayne Rooney in the midfield to provide balance to the team, while summer signing Herrera has started only one game since November.

When asked if he will sign a midfielder in the summer, Van Gaal said: "Of course. I am looking for balance and I need a balance in midfield."

"When I play with [Adnan] Januzaj and [Angel] Di Maria in the midfield positions, then you need a certain balance for that kind of creative player."

"So, when you have these creative players, and also [Radamel] Falcao and [Robin] van Persie are creative players, then you have four creative players and you have to look for balance in your team," the United manager added.

AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has long been on United's radar. The Dutch international returned briefly after ending a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He picked up another injury earlier this year and is set for another spell on the treatment table.

With injury concerns, the 20-times English champions could shift their focus on bringing their former player Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford. Juventus star midfielder is also linked with a move away from his current employers and the Frenchman has publicly expressed his love for United.

Meanwhile, United take on Preston North End in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday evening, where the Red Devils defender Chris Smalling has insisted that they will not take the League One side lightly.

"It's the story of the underdog. I've played as an underdog before and you play without fear and with nothing to lose. All you can do is go out and do your best," Smalling told United's official website.

"We as United players have to make sure we do our jobs and give 100 per cent on the night, as Preston will be 100 per cent committed. We need to match that and hopefully let our quality shine through."