Michael Keane to Depart Manchester United for Cardiff on Season Loan

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is on the verge of giving Cardiff City the thumbs up to take young defender Michael Keane on loan.

Keane travelled with United's first team squad to America where he was given the opportunity to impress van Gaal and assistant Ryan Giggs.

But as the Dutchman prepares to settle on his first team squad, he has decided places will be limited for Keane at United and that he should move to Cardiff on loan to continue his development.

Wales Online reports a deal could be in place as early as today as both sides look to get their squads in place for the rest of the season.

Cardiff got their season off to a start with a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Friday and have spoken with United about adding England U-21 international Keane to their ranks.

The 21-year-old has made two appearances for United, both of which came in the League Cup.

He has had loan spells at Leicester City, Derby County and at Blackburn, with the Lancashire club also keen to take him back to Ewood Park after he made an impact scoring three goals in 13 appearances last season.

United lost Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Alexander Buttner at the end of last season and have so far only brought in £30m left-back Luke Shaw from Southampton as reinforcement.

Unless United can acquire new defenders by the end of the transfer window on 31 August, the onus will be on Johnny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to be the bedrock upon which the Old Trafford club build upon.

The 20-times league title winners had identifed Borussia Dortmund World Cup-winner Mats Hummels as a target but are becoming less confident they can prise him away from the Westfalenstadion.

Van Gaal has also been rumoured to favour a reunion with Dutch international Daley Blind as well as Chelsea target Mehdi Benatia.