Erik ten Hag will attempt to raid former club Ajax for the third time in six months and sign Mohammed Kudus.
The Manchester United boss wants to recruit a new striker during the January transfer window, with Kudus capable of playing up front and in a variety of forward positions. The 22-year-old shone for Ghana at the World Cup and his impressive performances have convinced Ten Hag to pursue him - just as the Dutchman did with ex-Ajax stars Lisandro Martinez and Antony over the summer.
As reported by the Daily Star, Ajax are demanding at least £35million to part ways with Kudus, who almost joined Everton in August but ended staying in Holland. Ten Hag is aware that his former employers want to maximise profits on their attacker, who they paid Danish club Nordsjaelland around £7.9m for in 2020, especially after the Ghanaian's value increased thanks to his exploits in Qatar.
A big-money deal for Kudus - whose contract in Amsterdam doesn't expire until June 2025 - will be tricky for United, as they're keeping the purse strings tight this winter ahead of a potential sale. The Glazer family are welcoming offers for a partial investment or full takeover at Old Trafford.
Despite the Red Devils saving around £15m in wages after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo 's lucrative salary, Ten Hag and co are working on a limited budget. The club's predicament was partially why they missed out on January target Cody Gakpo to arch-enemies Liverpool.
United are hopeful of securing their first signing of the month before the weekend, with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland undergoing a medical on Thursday ahead of a six-month loan move. But it's in attack where Ten Hag most wants to improve, a desire which he's repeatedly outlined in the build-up to transfer window.
Have your say! Should Man Utd pay £35m for Kudus? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
"I think we have a good team when all the players are available, but with many games coming up, I think there is a need [for one]," the Red Devils boss admitted on New Year's Eve. "But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don't strengthen the squad. It doesn't help you."
Ten Hag also told club media : "There are so many games coming and we need a squad for that and also to get a better balance in the squad, we are aiming for that. We are always looking for better. We are orientating and we are making an effort to strengthen the squad, but I can’t tell you anything about it in this moment. When we can do, we will do it straight away."
United, who're prioritising half-season loan deals after going over budget last summer, have been linked with a host of forwards aside from Kudus, including Atletico Madrid want-away Joao Felix and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Memphis Depay of Barcelona has also been tipped for a return to Old Trafford, while Bayern Munich 's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is alleged to be on the Red Devils' shortlist.
