Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils steal a march on Liverpool in hunt for Dutch wizard Memphis Depay

United willing to spend more than their Premier Leagur rivals

(Getty)

Manchester United chiefs are growing increasingly confident they will beat Liverpool to signing Memphis Depay after learning that the Reds are unwilling to pay the asking price.

The Dutch wonderkid, who played under Louis van Gaal for Netherlands at the World Cup last summer, has had a £25m price tag slapped on his head by PSV Eindhoven.

Brendan Rodgers has been informed that Liverpool will only bid in the region of £20m for the 21-year-old - leaving the path clear for United to finalise a deal.

Van Gaal is desperate to strengthen his squad with Champions League football almost certain to return to Old Trafford next season.

He told reporters last week: “I don’t have any doubt that players are coming to Manchester United.”

Louis van Gaal and Memphis Depay enjoyed a good relationship with the Dutch national side (Getty)

According to the Mirror on Sunday, the former Ajax and Barcelona manager has exploited his close friendship with PSV technical director Marcel Brands to help his cause.

The pair become allies during the Dutchman's spell in charge of AZ Alkmaar while Van Gaal has been a long term admirer of Depay's talents.

Friday’s 3-1 victory over PEC Zwolle means PSV are just three points away from winning the Eredivisie for the first time in seven years.

They hope their current success won't just be a flash in the pan - a more likely possibility should Depay depart for England.

United are also believed to be closing in on long-term targets Mats Hummels and Nathaniel Clyne.

Borussia Dortmund’s £35m asking price for Hummels is not considered to be a problem by Old Trafford chiefs and United will also pay Southampton in the region of £20m for Clyne.