Manchester United transfer news: Louis van Gaal turns to Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi after Mats Hummels delay

United continue summer redevelopment despite set-backs

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is considering meeting Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi's £36m release clause after the Mats Hummels deal stalled.

According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has been in bullish mood in recent weeks and now believes the German club will be able to keep their World Cup winning centre-back.

The 27-year-old Valencia defender is the highest scoring centre-back in La Liga this season with six goals and is represented by Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese agent who helped bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

Valencia, however, are owned by Singapore billionaire Peter Lim and have no intention of losing their star man - which means Van Gaal would have to meet the release clause if a deal is to be done.

Meanwhile, United remain interested Bayern Munich mainstay Bastian Schweinsteiger. The 30-year-old midfielder has fallen behind Thiago Alcantara, Xabi Alonso and Javi Martinez in the pecking order and could possibly consider a new challenge in England.

The Red Devils may be looking to improve in all areas on the pitch, but manager Van Gaal is at least satisfied with his backroom set-up. Ryan Giggs in particular has impressed the former Ajax and Barcelona head coach.

"He is working very hard," said Van Gaal. "Ex-players are used to an easy lifestyle, so he is an exception.

"He reads the game in a very good way. Now he is developing more in the skills of the trainer-coach on the pitch and he is doing that very well. So I think that he will be — or he is able to be — the manager of Manchester United and a successful one."