EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd turn to Daley Blind as Thomas Vermaelen moves to Barcelona

Daley Blind played under Louis van Gaal for Holland at the World Cup[GETTY]

As revealed in Sunday Prompt Sport, United were caught up in a straight fight with Barcelona over the Gunners club captain.

Vermaelen had expressed a desire to follow his friend Robin van Persie to Ancient Trafford only for Arsenal to refuse a straight cash deal from United insisting that England defender Chris Smalling was included in the deal.

They were though set to take Barcelona’s cash-only offer of £15 million leaving the Belgian little option but to opt for the Spanish side after United refused point blank to allow Smalling to leave for the Emirates.

A frustrated Van Gaal who has also seen moves for Roma’s Kevin Strootman, Juventus hard man Arturo Vidal and Real Madrid forward Angel Di Maria hit financial barriers now wants Ajax star Blind to strengthen his defence.

Blind, the Dutch player of the year, was outstanding under Van Gaal as Holland reached the World Cup semi-finals.

He played in the left wing back role but is similarly at home in the centre of defence or as a holding midfielder.

Ajax are resigned to losing the versatile son of current Dutch coach and former global Danny Blind but will demand around £17 million for the 24-year-ancient.

Van Gaal is also hoping to sell the players he doesn’t regard as essential first teamers which include £27.5 million Marouane Fellaini, Nani, Javier Hernandez, Anderson, Shinji Kagawa and Wilfried Zaha.

United will have to take a bit hit on Fellaini who was only signed 12 months ago. Napoli want the big Belgian on loan but will want United to still play some of his wages.