Manchester United transfer news: Louis van Gaal set to be handed funds to land primary targets to ensure top four spot

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly set to be given the green light to go on another spending spree to strengthen the side to ensure a place in the top four and challenge for the title next season.

According to the Mirror, the Red Devils boss is to meet chief executive Ed Woodward and other members of the United hierarchy on Friday to discuss transfer plans and identify targets for the January transfer window and the summer.

The United boss spent over £150m during last summer's transfer window and is set to be given a similar amount to spend in this calendar year to complete the overhaul of his team.

The Dutchman has already identified the players he wants to bring and will be given the funds required to rope in his primary targets.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and AS Roma's Kevin Strootman are the priority targets, with Nathaniel Clyne of Southampton and Seamus Coleman of Everton being looked at for the right wing-back role.

The Old Trafford club have received a boost from both their primary targets in recent days, with Mats Hummels first admitting that he does not see himself staying at Dortmund for the rest of his career and that he could be open to a move abroad at some point in the future.

With the Bundesliga club having their worst season in the club's history, it is believed that a bid in the region of £40m could convince his current employers to part with their prize possession. Van Gaal is even willing to wait till the summer to get his number one defensive target.

On the other hand, Strootman has been linked with a move to United from last summer's transfer window, and various reports suggested that a deal had been agreed to sign the midfielder from the Serie A club.

But the Roma chief denied all rumours and made it clear that the Dutch midfielder was not for sale. However, in a recent interview the chief seemed to have changed his stance as he admitted that if a club comes up with an astronomical bid, then the Italian side would consider selling Strootman. And with the unlimited funds available to United, there could be a bid, either in January or following the end of the current campaign.

The former Bayern Munich manager is also keen to sign a full-back and has identified Clyne and Coleman as primary targets to fill the role.

The report claims that the United boss prefers the Saints defender over the Toffees right-back, but is willing to move for the latter if he becomes available in the ongoing January transfer window.

Everton have dismissed speculation linking the Irishman with a move away from the club, but the 20-time English champions feel that a bid in the region of £20m could tempt the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, Clyne has been one of the most impressive players for Southampton in their phenomenal start to the season and is United's first choice for the full-back role, and they could make a move for the defender in the coming weeks.