Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Manchester United have granted long-serving midfielder Darren Fletcher a free transfer, with the player currently at West Ham discussing a move to Upton Park.
Despite being named a vice-captain at Old Trafford, Fletcher has struggled for playing time this season under Van Gaal and is now looking at his options before the window closes.
The Red Devils will allow the Scotland international to leave on a free transfer and Van Gaal admits that he is currently talking with Sam Allardyce's Hammers.
"Fletcher is out of contract at the end of the season and has been granted a free transfer", Van Gaal was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"He is now in West Ham, I believe. We have to wait and see."
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However, even with Fletcher on the verge of quitting Old Trafford, Van Gaal is keen to pay tribute to the midfielder and believes he is an important influence in the dressing room, explaning he likes the Scot.
"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", the Manchester United manager said.
Fletcher has also been linked with a move to Tony Pulis' West Brom and it remains to be seen where he ends up when the transfer window slams shut.
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