Manchester United are lining up a move for former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong in January, as reported by the Daily Star.

De Jong was a huge success while at City, playing a key role for the Manchester side as they won their first ever Premier League title under Roberto Mancini.

He was sold shortly after, however, moving to Italian side AC Milan the following summer.

While he has been a consistent player for Milan, the club have undergone significant restructuring in recent seasons, and they have not hit their former heights during the midfield enforcer’s time there.

De Jong’s contract expires next summer, and there is little indication that the Dutch bruiser will extend his deal.

As a result, Louis van Gaal has eyed him up as a potential signing in January on a cut price basis.

The two have worked together before, with De Jong featuring in Van Gaal’s Netherlands squad at the World Cup.

AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong has revealed his immense pride at receiving interest from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, with the Old Trafford club repeatedly suggested as a possible destination for the Dutch midfielder during the summer months, as reported by the Daily Star.

Speculation about his future became severe after the World Cup, and it seemed as though he was on the cusp of being reunited with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, who he worked with this summer and for two years prior.

However, he has given Man Utd another boost in their chase for him, with the club now clearly knowing that the former Manchester City man would love a move, if one came about.

Despite interest from Ajax, De Jong also chose to turn them down, remaining at the San Siro. His decision has paid off, with the tough midfielder scoring a rare goal in Milan’s stunning 5-4 victory at the weekend.

Speaking of the interest in him from this summer, De Jong said: “If many people like him respect me and recognise what I am doing, then I can only be proud.”