Manchester United Turn Attention to Landing Ajax Skipper Daley Blind

Manchester United are considering a move in signing Ajax midfielder Daley Blind in the summer transfer window, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

United confirmed Louis van Gaal as their manager for the next season and since his appointment, several Dutch players are linked with a move to Old Trafford in the coming transfer window.

The report claims the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has set sights on Blind and is preparing a move in landing the Ajax skipper. The midfielder's father, Danny Blind, is Van Gaal's assistant in the Netherlands squad.

Van Gaal could convince Blind to join him at Old Trafford for the next campaign as he is aware that strengthening United's midfield, along with their defence, will be the Dutchman's priority.

United are likely to face tough competition for Blind's signature as top clubs across Europe. The same report indicates AC Milan are interested in landing the Dutch international, while another report from Tutto Mercato Web suggests AS Roma are also in the hunt for signing the player.

In addition to this, United, Milan and Roma will have to beat Tottenham Hotspur in acquiring Blind's services.

The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims the north London club could make an approach for Blind as they are set to appoint Ajax boss Frank de Boer as their manager for the next season.

Spurs are without a manager after their chairman Daniel Levy sacked Tim Sherwood. The 45-year-old became the second causality of the 2013/14 season as his predecessor Andre Villas-Boas was shown the door last December.

With Spurs edging towards signing De Boer, the De Telegraaf believes Blind could follow his boss to England and join him in North London.

The 24-year-old has been a key figure in the Dutch club's starting lineup as he has made 29 appearances in the league during the 2013/14 season. He was leading Ajax from the front as his side went on to win the domestic league.

Blind came up through the ranks of Ajax's youth system. He broke into their first team in 2008 and has been a regular figure in their first team under De Boer.