The Netherlands boss is a big fan of Feyenoord’s Martins Indi.
The news that Rio Ferdinand will be leaving Manchester United this summer means central defence is a priority in the transfer market.
With current Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal expected to take over as manager after the 2014 World Cup, the 62 year-old has already identified Ferdinand’s replacement.
Van Gaal has marked out Feyenoord defender Bruno Martins Indi – according to the Mirror – whom the manager knows well having used him regularly in the nation’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Martins Indi was also named in the 30-man provisional squad for the Dutch ahead of the tournament in Brazil, which will be narrowed down to 23 before the competition starts on June 12.
The 22 year-old can play as a central defender or a left-back and this versatility would help him ease the pressure of three important departures.
Along with Ferdinand, United club captain Nemanja Vidic has already agreed a deal to join Inter Milan this summer, whilst Patrice Evra is also expected to depart Old Trafford when his current contract expires.
This means that new arrivals aplenty are expected at the Red Devils, with the club also strongly linked with Southampton’s Luke Shaw and Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund.
Unlike that duo Martins Indi is unlikely to break the bank and with 13 caps for the Netherlands already and a strong relationship with van Gaal, could turn out to be a very shrewd signing.
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