Thomas Vermaelen’s ability to play at left-back as well as at centre-back is a factor in Louis van Gaal’s desire to sign the Belgian for Manchester United from Arsenal.

With Patrice Evra expected to depart United for Juventus after the club agreed to a request not to stand in his way, Van Gaal will have Luke Shaw as his sole recognised left-back.

Shaw has just arrived at United from Southampton for an initial fee of £27m and, although it is expected he will start the season as first choice, the manager may decide he requires experienced cover for the 19-year-old and competition for the position.

Although Van Gaal wants to buy Vermaelen primarily to play in central defence, his versatility is an added attraction. At 28 and still the captain of Arsenal despite losing his first-team place, Vermaelen has vast experience of the Premier League.

Van Gaal is deliberating over whether to sign a dedicated left-back and one option may be the pursuit of Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodríguez, who impressed for Switzerland during the World Cup.

Vermaelen, with only a year left on his contract, would cost around £12m and give Van Gaal a seasoned operator to replace the departed Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

If Vermaelen is signed, whether Van Gaal would pursue another central defender or decide the Belgian plus Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are adequate for the position will become clearer once the Dutchman has assessed his squad.

Van Gaal is due to start officially as manager at the club on Wednesday when he will meet United’s players for the first time.