Manchester United transfer news alert

Boss Louis van Gaal has had him watched several times this season and Starsport understands Muto comes personally recommended by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Former boss Fergie is a big fan of the Japan international and reckons his pace, eye for goal and ability to hold up the ball could boost Van Gaal’s side.

United have found goals hard to come by this season and Van Gaal is desperate for more firepower.

Muto is having an impressive campaign in Germany after plundering seven goals in 14 appearances for Bundesliga side Mainz.

The 23-year-old joined the club last summer after scoring 26 goals in 59 games for FC Tokyo.

He is under contract until 2019, but United reckon Muto can be lured to Old Trafford in a £15m deal.

United have scored just 14 goals in their last 15 games to leave Van Gaal battling to save his job.

They face a tough trip to Stoke today looking to end a winless run of six games and ease the pressure on the beleaguered Dutchman, who stormed out of his press conference on Wednesday after a bizarre rant.

But despite feeling the heat, it is understood Van Gaal will still be given money to spend in next month’s transfer window provided he escapes the sack.

The 23-year-old joined the club last summer after scoring 26 goals in 59 games for FC Tokyo.

He is under contract until 2019, but United reckon Muto can be lured to Old Trafford in a £15m deal.

United have scored just 14 goals in their last 15 games to leave Van Gaal battling to save his job.

They face a tough trip to Stoke today looking to end a winless run of six games and ease the pressure on the beleaguered Dutchman, who stormed out of his press conference on Wednesday after a bizarre rant.

But despite feeling the heat, it is understood Van Gaal will still be given money to spend in next month’s transfer window provided he escapes the sack.

He knows landing some marquee signings in January is unlikely to happen, so he could be tempted to take a chance on Muto instead.

Muto, who has won 17 caps, would relish the chance to join United and test himself in the Premier League.

Van Gaal has been let down by his strikers this season, with talisman and captain Wayne Rooney being the biggest disappointment.

Rooney has scored just two league goals, while French ace Anthony Martial has netted just four following his world record £36m switch from Monaco in the summer.

Van Gaal has seen Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez score goals for fun to fire Leicester to the top of the Premier League table.

And he knows United need to emulate the Foxes before their campaign fizzles out completely.

(dailystar.co.uk)