Manchester United are preparing to offer Ajax £17m for Dutch international Daley Blind, the Daily Express reports.

According to Italian sources, Louis Van Gaal is ready to step up his interest in the versatile 24-year-old, and make Blind his third significant signing of the summer.

Blind's versatility makes him an ideal candidate for Van Gaal to acquire, especially considering the departures of left-backs Alexander Büttner and Patrice Evra.

He will either battle United's £30m starlet Luke Shaw for a starting spot, or be deployed as a defensive midfielder.

The 24-year-old has been a key figure in helping Ajax win their fourth consecutive domestic league title, and has received universal plaudits for his performances at the World Cup.

He was named the Dutch Footballer of the Year 2014 - an award won by his legendary father Danny Blind, as well as a host of illustrious names including Luis Suarez, Wilfried Bony and Jaap Stam.