Giggs set to be appointed as Van Gaal’s number two

Ryan Giggs met Louis van Gaal for face-to-face talks about his Manchester United future on Wednesady. The interim manager, who was placed in charge for the final four games of the season following David Moyes' sacking, was photographed leaving a hotel in Van Gaal's hometown of Noordwijk, where the 40-year-old met the Dutchman.

The 20-times champions are expected to finally announce Van Gaal as Moyes’ permanent successor on Thursday.

Giggs will be offered a senior role in Van Gaal’s coaching team at United, with the Welsh man minded to accept and he also hopes to have his 23-season career extended by the Dutch man.

With Van Gaal having a break day yesterday from the Netherlands training camp he is holding in Hoenderloo, Giggs flew by private jet to the Netherlands to meet him.

United are set to return with an improved bid in the region of £30 million (€36.8m) for Southampton's Luke Shaw once Van Gaal is formally announced as their new manager.

United had a bid of £27million (€33m) rejected earlier this week with the south coast club insistent the 18-year-old is not for sale. However United are convinced the transfer of the left back is nearing completion with the higher offer to test Southampton’s resolve.

United will make Shaw the highest-paid teenager in English domestic football history by offering him a £100,000-a-week (€122,000) salary over five years, with the club set to beat interest from Chelsea and Manchester City for the player's signature.
Guardian Service