United Confident That Defensive Duo Will Join di Maria in Move - Report

Manchester United are looking to close two more transfer deals before the window closes with the side believed to be on the brink of signing Angel Di Maria as well.

Daley Blind and Nigel de Jong are both said to be high on Louis van Gaal's list, and would give United a huge boost in their defensive line-up should they make the move to Old Trafford.

While the side struggled on all fronts last season, missing out on European football as a result, their defence had been suffering for more than just one campaign as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic passed the peaks of their careers.

Blind began his career in the youth set-up at Ajax before the Netherlands international made the move into the senior line-up in 2008. At the age of 24 he has much potential for the future and his experience on a domestic and international level make him an attractive prospect for any top side looking at long-term defensive options.

His versatility is also a huge strength in a United squad still finding their feet under an incoming manager, after a disastrous season under David Moyes saw them break a number of records in the worst ways.

Meanwhile de Jong would offer more experience and is believed to be looking for an exit, with his contract nearing an end at Milan. The modest fee would make him an attractive prospect for van Gaal, who is believed to be prepared to spend around £60m on Di Maria's signature with the price rising due to add-ons and appearances.

Should van Gaal seal the three signings before deadline day the manager would certainly be in a much better position than David Moyes at this time last year, with the club having been unable to land one new player until the final 24 hours of the transfer window.