Erik ten Hag has put pressure on Manchester United chiefs in order to secure his summer transfer targets, with up to seven players being targeted as part of a summer shortlist.
United had a positive first season under Ten Hag, but he is set to push for more backing this summer in order to keep the club progressing. His priorities are believed to be a number 8 midfielder, with Mason Mount believed to be a priority, as well as an established striker, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen the main targets.
Ten Hag is believed to view Kane as his number one choice, but Daniel Levy's expected transfer demands of £100million could be an unrealistic expenditure this summer for a 30-year-old whose contract expires in 12 months' time. This leaves Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund as another option, with Osimhen expected to also command a fee in excess of £100 million.
ESPN report that United's football director John Murtough and the recruitment team have been told by ten Hag that a goalkeeper, right-back, centre-back, another midfielder and another forward are needed to strengthen the squad. Ten Hag has been reported to be aware that this is unrealistic, but that he must be demanding in his role to push United forwards.
Other strikers who have been named include: Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani, Juventus ' Dusan Vlahovic, Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, AS Roma's Tammy Abraham and Ajax's Brian Brobbey. These names would represent an alternative to Kane, Osimhen, or Hojlund, who have all been previously been named as part of an initial three man shortlist to join the club.
In terms of defence, Harry Maguire could be pushed towards the exit door, with Spurs reported to be interested in the 30-year-old. This could free up space in the squad to pursue a move to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who has been linked with a move to bolster the back-line.
In terms of departures, the club will seek to offload several unwanted stars, with Scott McTominay, Fred, Anthony Martial, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles all tipped to make a departure. This would free up transfer funds to pursue moves to sign the shortlisted targets.
All of this summer's transfer activity will hinge on available funds, with the impending takeover crucial to the summer transfer activity, although ten Hag has insisted that their talent identification remains unaffected by ongoing talks. Last month, when asked if it was business as usual in terms of transfers, ten Hag told Sky Sports News: " Yeah, that's what I'm doing and that's our job.
"This season that has to be our energy and the focus, but of course we are also planning for the future, for next season and that's what we have to do. And that is also talking with your scouting department, recruitment responsibilities, and talking with players of course."
