Welbeck has already had meetings with Van Gaal this summer and a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Sunderland, are keeping an eye on the situation in case the England striker becomes available.
The 23-year-old will look to be reassured that he will receive regular football this coming season, but it is understood Van Gaal considers him a rotation option behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.
Welbeck has been at United since the age of 9 and would find it a wrench to move on, but believes he should be a starter.
He had previously expressed a desire to leave under former boss David Moyes after he was restricted to a role on the left-hand side, and although his urgency to leave was lessened by the Scot's departure he has remained quiet over the summer as he weighs up his options.
United would likely ask for around €20 million as Welbeck has two years remaining on his current deal, though Goal understands both Newcastle and Sunderland would only stretch as far as a loan.
And as well as north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, Hull City, Everton and West Ham are also keeping an eye on proceedings.
Welbeck already knows Sunderland well, having spent the 2010-11 season on loan at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have turned to Welbeck after they failed with their bids for Eduardo Vargas - who is signing for QPR - and Fabio Borini.Despite Sunderland agreeing to pay €17.5m for him in July, the Italian striker is not willing to make the move back to Wearside.
Even the imminent arrival of Mario Balotelli at Liverpool is not likely to convince Borini to make the move to Gus Poyet's team, especially as Goal understands Napoli could be ready to make an offer in the final days of the transfer window.
Sunderland have therefore turned their attentions to Welbeck, but Newcastle are also in the hunt for another striker and after missing out on Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Loic Remy, a move for the United forward is now on their agenda.
Welbeck marked his Premier League debut with a 30-yard strike against Stoke City in 2008, and has scored a total of 26 league goals in 116 appearances.
He struck nine times in the top division last season, his best to date, after hitting the net just once in 2012-13 in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season.
GOAL.com
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