Memphis Depay to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal gives United the edge over Liverpool in race for PSV star, says Ronald de Boer

Van Gaal coached Depay at last year's World Cup during his reign as Netherlands manager

Tuesday 21 April 2015 18:05 BST

PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay (Getty Images)

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Manchester United will beat Liverpool to the signing of Memphis Depay because of the Dutch influence of manager Louis van Gaal, says former Netherlands midfielder Ronald de Boer.

Depay is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and he looks set to leave PSV Eindhoven having just helped them clinch a first Eredivisie title in seven years.

The Dutch club confirmed that United have made official contact regarding a summer transfer, which could cost up to £25m for the highly-rated 21-year-old. However, the club could yet face opposition from Liverpool, who are set to undergo a major squad reconstruction after a below-par campaign which could see up to 10 players leave the club.

But with United manager Van Gaal having coached Depay during his reign as the Netherlands head coach - which culminated in last year's third-place at the 2014 World Cup - has led De Boer to believe that United have the edge in the hunt for the forward.

Speaking to talkSPORT, De Boer said: "I don't want to say which club is more suitable for him, but if he goes to United he knows there is a Dutch coach there who knows him from the World Cup. That is an advantage."

Depay has played a starring role in PSV's Eredivisie title success this season, scoring 20 goals to date.

De Boer has been impressed and has suggested he could become one of the world's best.

PSV Eindhoven will jump from No 30 into the top eight (Getty Images)

He said: "He is one of the biggest talents in Europe.

"He has skill compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo. He is very lively, technically unbelievable, very skilful, very fast, he has a great goalscoring record, he can shoot from every distance - he has everything.

"For me, he is without doubt one of the best talents we have."

Additional reporting by PA

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Memphis Depay to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal gives United the edge over Liverpool in race for PSV star, says Ronald de Boer

Van Gaal coached Depay at last year's World Cup during his reign as Netherlands manager

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