Louis van Gaal expects Darren Fletcher to join West Ham United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Darren Fletcher is having a medical at West Ham United ahead of his proposed transfer.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce had admitted that he was unsure if the deal would go through, but Van Gaal has now suggested that it is close to completion.

The Dutchman has acknowledged that he is losing a big presence from his squad, but could not begrudge the 30-year-old midfielder the chance to play more regularly.

"He is now in West Ham, I believe," Van Gaal told his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"We have to wait and see. He is my third captain, an important guy in the dressing room. I like him as a human being. But he has not played so much."

Fletcher has made 340 appearances for United since progressing from the club's academy in 2002, but has only made four Premier League starts this season.