Erik ten Hag has a clear transfer strategy in mind for Manchester United this summer as he plans for a prosperous future.
The Ajax boss is on the verge of becoming the Red Devils' new boss with a verbal agreement between both parties. The move has yet to be made official but that hasn't stopped club chiefs from powering ahead with their plans for the summer.
United are working tirelessly behind the scenes to get a head start with a major rebuild expected at Old Trafford. And even though Ten Hag won't arrive until the end of the season, it seems he is still influencing the club's decisions as, ultimately, he will be the one in charge of any new arrivals.
Ten Hag is renowned for his work with young players and giving them a chance in the first team and United have seemingly taken that philosophy into consideration on the recruitment front. United have targeted five players and they all have one thing in common - they are under the age of 22 - making it clear Ten Hag's project is one for the long term.
Ten Hag knows a thing or two about the first two players United have been linked with as Brazilian winger Antony, 22, and highly-rated defender Jurrien Timber, 20, are currently playing under the Dutchman at the Amsterdam Arena. The 52-year-old is keen to bring the pair with him to Old Trafford as the former is one of the brightest prospects in the Netherlands, while the latter has been tipped to solve United's well-documented defensive woes.
United are also plotting to raid Everton and pile more misery on the Toffees who are having a difficult season by lining up a move for Jarrad Branthwaite. The 19-year-old has barely played under Frank Lampard but United’s recruitment department reckons he has plenty of potential.
Enzo Fernandez is another player who fits a similar profile as United reportedly sent a scout to Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening for River Plate's Copa Libertadores clash with Brazilian side Fortaleza. The midfielder opened the scoring in the 2-0 win and 'impressed' United, according to Argentine outlet Ole.
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The report states that Fernandez, 21, has been recommended to Ten Hag, who will make the final decision on the youngster with a release clause worth £16million in his current contract which rises to just over £20million during the final 10 days of the transfer window in Argentina, running from May 16 to August 7.
The midfielder is clearly an area of priority and the fifth and final player that has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the wake of the news about Ten Hag's imminent arrival is Aurelien Tchouameni.
ESPN claims Ten Hag is 'keen' on signing the playmaker, who attracted the interest of the Red Devils last summer, with Monaco open to negotiations, looking for between £50million and £60million for the 22-year-old.
