Manchester United close to signing midfielder Rodrigo Dourado from Brazilian club Internacional

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing highly-rated Internacional midfielder Rodrigo Dourado.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Louis van Gaal is believed to have sent his scouts to monitor the Brazilian and has got positive reports from his staff regarding the midfielder.

Louis van Gaal has made strengthening his midfield a priority during the summer transfer window, with the club looking for a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.

Dourado has been touted as the Englishman's potential successor at Old Trafford next season as the Dutchman confirmed that a holding midfielder was high on his agenda of potential targets.

But the Brazilian club are reportedly reluctant to let the midfielder leave until next month and only after the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

United struggled last season in the absence of Carrick, as the midfielder spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines with injury and the manager believes he needs a player like the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who can read the game well individually and for the team.

The 20-times English champions have been linked to various midfielders, with Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan being the most frequently mentioned name to take over the mantle from the England international at Old Trafford.

Reports suggest that Van Gaal will go on yet another spending spree this summer, with the manager targeting new signings for various positions as he looks to build a squad capable of mounting a title challenge next season.

If United manage to land Dourado in the coming days, he will become their second signing of the summer following the arrival of Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven earlier in the year.

However, they could face work permit issues in moving the Brazilian to England, as he is yet to make an appearance for the senior Brazil national team.