Manchester United pursuing 'mystery striker', Louis van Gaal reveals

The club have been linked with a host of players this summer, but none of them are right according to the Dutchman

Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal has revealed that Manchester United are pursuing a new striker - but it's not one of the many the club have been linked with this summer.

Despite revealing this week that captain Wayne Rooney will be deployed as a striker this season rather than in the midfield role he regularly occupied last term, Van Gaal continues to be on the look out for a new forward.

It comes after he sanctioned the sale of Robin van Persie and opted not to make Radamel Falcao's loan move permanent.

A host of top class strikers have been rumoured to be Old Trafford bound, however Van Gaal claims United are working on a player that is yet to have been linked with the club.

"It's not the striker that the media has written," Van Gaal revealed ahead of his side's pre-season friendly with San Jose Earthquakes.

"But you have to wait and see. The transfer period is open until August 31 or September 2."

Among the striker's linked to the club this summer are Edinson Cavani, Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Harry Kane, Thomas Muller, Gonzalo Higuain, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It leaves few other obvious options available to Van Gaal.