Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Manchester United: Red Devils plot £60m deal to beat Arsenal

It remains to be seen whether manager Louis van Gaal will stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of the current campaign

Dortmund's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang makes a jump after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund vs Hertha BSC in Dortmund, Germany

Manchester United are reportedly ready to swoop for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a long-term target of rivals Arsenal.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, admitted last week that the struggling Premier League giants would be looking to invest big this summer to prevent a slide in fortunes.

According to the Daily Mirror, that splurge will start with a move for Aubameyang, who has scored 20 goals in as many appearances for the Bunesliga outfit, at the end of the season.

The report states how the Red Devils have already sounded out the Gabonese international’s representatives and suggests Woodward is prepared to part with up to £60m to secure his services.

It remains to be seen whether manager Louis van Gaal will stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of the current campaign, with the Dutchman’s side still six points adrift of the top four, but plans are already being made for next season.

Meanwhile, midfielder Nicky Butt has been announced as United’s new head of academy after a revaluation of the set-up at Carrington.

The 41-year-old, who had a decorated playing career at Old Trafford over a 12-year period, has earned the position after working as reserve team and under-19s coach for the last four years.

“It's a privilege to take on this role,” Butt told the club's official website. “As someone who learned his trade in the United youth set-up, it's a huge honour now to be given the chance to lead the academy and to instil its values and attitudes to continue to create future generations of Manchester United players.

“It's a big challenge but I am fortunate to be taking over a dedicated, first-class team. Our aim remains the same - to keep supplying the first team with well-coached, rounded players that understand the responsibility of playing for the biggest club in the world.”