Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is interesting Manchester United. The Mail on Sunday says United boss Louis van Gaal sees the Argentine as a replacement for Robin van Persie.

Van Persie has just a year left on his United contract and Argentine striker Higuain, four years younger at 27, is seen as a better and more energetic long-term prospect who could form a lethal double act with Wayne Rooney.

However, failure to land Higuain from Napoli - who have just lost manager Rafa Benitez - would leave van Gaal reluctant to let van Persie go with United short in the striking department.