Manchester United have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender as a target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Signing a defensive midfielder is believed to be a priority for Louis van Gaal, and it had previously been suggested that Roma's Kevin Strootman was an option.

However, the Dutchman has been ruled out until the start of next season, and his injury problems mean United will turn their focus to Bender, according to The Mirror.

Chief scout Jim Lawlor was reported to have watched Bender recently, and Leverkusen could be willing to sell the 25-year-old in a summer when they will welcome Christoph Kramer back from a loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Arsenal have also been linked with Bender on a number of occasions in recent months.