Manchester United are plotting a surprise move for former Manchester City hardman Nigel de Jong.

United have held talks with the De Jong's representatives over the possibility of his moving to Old Trafford in time for the new season.

Louis van Gaal is a known admirer of the Dutch midfielder's destructive talents, having seen him at close quarters for two years as boss of the Netherlands.

He reserved special praise for De Jong following the Netherlands' 3-2 World Cup defeat of Australia.

"I don’t like singling out players, but Nigel de Jong was inspirational," said Van Gaal following the victory.

It is understood that De Jong's interest has been piqued by the chance of an early reunion with Van Gaal - and that United Chief Executive Ed Woodward has been working hard to finalise a deal.

Video: The latest transfer news

De Jong spent three successful years in the heart of the Manchester City midfield, becoming a firm fan favourite - and it was something of a surprise when he departed in August 2012 for AC Milan.

The former Ajax and Hamburg man has made 45 appearances over two seasons in a struggling Rossoneri side and would be available for around £8 million.

Van Gaal's pursuit of De Jong could signal a temporary halt in his chase for another Dutch international midfielder.

The signing of De Jong would allow United to make it to the January transfer window with sufficient midfield cover before an approach for reported target Kevin Strootman.

Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Show all 19 1 /19 Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Arturo Vidal The Juventus midfielder is among United's top targets this summer, particularly after impressing for Chile at the World Cup. Having helped his current team secure the Serie A title, Juventus aren't keen on letting him go. Getty Images Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Marco Reus Rumoured to be near the top of United's target list, a possible swap deal involving cash and Shinji Kagawa has been mentioned. The Borussia Dortmund player would not be a cheap acquisition, especially given his recent declaration that he wants to stay at Dortmund next season Getty Images Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Arda Turan Former manager David Moyes had been seen watching Turan, though his dismissal put a doubt over whether United were still interested. The winger's agent claims an offer has been made, so is the Atletico Madrid winger on his way to Old Trafford? Getty Images Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Arjen Robben The Bayern Munich winger has said Van Gaal has offered him a place at Old Trafford if he wants it. Currently he's happy to stay where he is, but things can quickly change. GETTY IMAGES Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Claudio Marchisio With Paul Pogba highly unlikely to be prised away from Juventus, United's attention could turn to team-mate Claudio Marchisio. The Italian international would provide some class and experience. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Mats Hummels With defensive reinforcements high on United's list of priorities, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels has unsurprisingly been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The German has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for the now-departed Rio Ferdinand and after his impressive showing at the World Cup, he's even more desirable. GETTY IMAGES Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Raphael Varane Raphael Varane has already snubbed United once in his career, opting instead to join Real Madrid. It would surely take a big offer to prise the classy defender away now. GETTY IMAGES Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Seamus Coleman Reportedly already the subject of a £15m bid, Seamus Coleman could be the man being lined up as the answer to United's problems at right-back. GETTY IMAGES Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets William Carvalho The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has reportedly been watched 15 times by Manchester United, although the £29m asking price could prove a stumbling block. The Portugal international has also been linked with Arsenal. Getty Images Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Xherdan Shaqiri Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri has struggled to force his way into the first team at the Allianz Arena and could be a target for United as well as rivals Liverpool. His impressive displays for Switzerland this summer could make it harder to prise him away. GETTY IMAGES Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Alex Song Barcelona are understood to be ready to let the former Arsenal player leave this summer. Could provide some strength to United's midfield. Could also bring embarrassment judging by his behaviour at the World Cup. GETTY IMAGES Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Fabio Coentrao Supposedly came within hours of signing in January, the Portuguese left back could be brought in to provide back-up to Luke Shaw. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Julian Draxler A long time Arsenal target, United are reportedly interested in pinching the young German with a bumper offer. Seems unlikely though. Arsenal also strongly interested. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Sami Khedira The Germany international is reportedly being pursued by a host of sides, and United might be wise to get in the mix as they look to add some quality to a fairly feeble looking midfield. Real Madrid appear open to letting him go with the 27-year-old having just one year left on his contract. Arsenal and Chelsea are among the others keen on signing the World Cup winner. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Edinson Cavani The Uruguayan hitman would prove pricey and tricky to snatch away from PSG and it seems unlikely United have enough to offer him. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Luciano Vietto The Racing Club youngster has been impressing in Argentina for some time although a move directly to United would be something of a surprise. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Santiago Arias Should a move for Seamus Coleman fail, PSV defender Arias is reportedly being lined up by United. Played for Colombia throughout the group stage of the World Cup. Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Miralem Pjanic Rumoured to part of a joint bid including teammate Benatia, the Bosnian midfielder is reportedly another on United's large hit list. Getty Manchester United: Potential summer transfer targets Kevin Strootman Van Gaal knows Strootman well from working with him in the Netherlands set-up and has indicated he is interested. Roma are reluctant to sell whilst his recovery from a knee injury may prove a stumbling block. GETTY IMAGES