Cape Town - After failing to secure a move for Arturo Vidal and with doubts over Kevin Strootman's fitness, Xabi Alonso has emerged as a target for Louis van Gaal.
The Express report that Manchester United are interested in bringing former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso back to England.
Van Gaal is desperate to improve his midfield resources with only Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Ander Herrera fit for the Red Devils at this early stage of the season.
Reports in Italy suggest that Alonso has emerged as a target
for Louis Van Gaal following United's opening day loss to Swansea.
United appear to have moved on from Vidal and considering Alonso as a temporary replacement until they can move for Strootman in January.
Real Madrid are willing to let the 32-year-old midfielder go after being unimpressed with the player's weight since he returned from World Cup duty.
A move for Alonso might rule out any potential move for Sami Khedira. Khedira has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea but may be kept on the books at Madrid if Alonso does indeed make the move to Old Trafford.
Alonso's place in the first team has been thrown into doubt after Los Blancos signed German international Toni Kroos and extended Luka Modric's contract earlier in the week.