• Louis van Gaal hopes to land right-back in January • Deal for Irishman would be worth at least £20m

Manchester United hope to sign Seamus Coleman in the January window in a deal that would be worth at least £20m to Everton. United believe it is more likely the right-back can be bought in the summer but are exploring what would represent the considerable coup of acquiring the 26-year-old immediately.

Louis van Gaal wants to sign a right-back because the United manager has little faith in Rafael da Silva, the only established player in the position.

Two weeks ago Van Gaal left the 24-year-old Brazilian out of the squad for the 3-0 win over Liverpool, saying: “Rafael is not injured. Last week he was fit but I have to select [on merit].”

Da Silva can be unreliable and Van Gaal believes Coleman is more robust while being impressed with his pace, an attribute that would allow the Republic of Ireland international to slot into the manager’s wing-back system.