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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Kane, Hojlund, Mount - where Manchester United stand on their summer transfer targets

There should be more movement in the coming weeks as Manchester United begin to execute their plans for the summer transfer window.

Erik ten Hag has told the board the areas in which he'd like to strengthen his side during the off-season, and now all eyes are on those attempts to try and secure as many top targets as possible.

United's main concern is that the continued uncertainty regarding the future of the club and the ongoing takeover talks have made it much more difficult to plan ahead, with budgets potentially affected by any imminent ownership change.

It is understood to be a fluid situation, and things could change very quickly depending on any takeover developments or transfer market activity that could have ramifications at Old Trafford.

Read next: United move closer to decision on Greenwood

The other element to consider is player departures. United are well aware their transfer budget will need to be enhanced by sales, and if they manage to raise enough funds, they might be able to pursue players who previously seemed out of their price range.

There are a lot of variables to consider, but this is United's current state of play in the early stages of the summer transfer window:

Harry Kane

Kane is United's top attacking target this summer, though a move for the Tottenham captain remains unlikely. Ten Hag is understood to be 'obssessed' with Kane, but United are operating under the assumption Tottenham will not sell their star man to a domestic rival.

United are reluctant to "play games" with Levy, who is notorious for dragging out negotiations, and are instead considering other targets to strengthen their attack.

Rasmus Hojlund

Ten Hag has held multiple video calls with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has been identified as an attainable striker this summer.

United want to sign players who are openly 'keen' to play for the club, and there shouldn't be many issues convincing boyhood fan Hojlund, 20, to make the move.

Other striker options

United are still monitoring Napoli figurehead Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt goalscorer Randal Kolo Muani ahead of the summer window.

Ten Hag is also an admirer of Benfica frontman Goncalo Ramos and Mohammed Kudus of Ajax.

Mason Mount

United took a big step towards signing Mount after agreeing personal terms with the Chelsea star last week, but there is still work to be done to agree a transfer fee with the West London club.

The 24-year-old wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but the major stumbling block is the difference in valuation, with Chelsea reluctant to budge on their hefty asking price.

Mount is out of contract next year, so there is hope a compromise can be reached.

A world-class midfielder

Ten Hag is keen to add another world-class midfielder to his side this summer, though any hopes of doing so most likely rely on a successful takeover of the club.

The United manager has endorsed second approaches for both Jude Bellingham or Frenkie de Jong, though Bellingham looks set to join Real Madrid and Barcelona's finances would pose an issue in any pursuit for De Jong.

Although De Jong and Bellingham are viewed as the most desirable options, Ten Hag is considering more attainable options, such as Mount.

Jeremie Frimpong

United held talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Frimpong earlier this year, but could shelve plans to strengthen in this position due to priorities lying elsewhere.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's resurgent form could secure his United future for at least another year, and the club recently tied Diogo Dalot down to a new contract.

Ten Hag has been impressed by Wan-Bissaka's form in 2023, but he eventually wants a new right-back to improve his options in the area.

Bart Verbruggen

United have shown interest in Anderlecht goalie Verbruggen as they look to sign competition for David de Gea this summer.

The Spaniard is set to pen a new deal at the club but has been warned by Ten Hag that he is not guaranteed to be first-choice next season.

Nottingham Forest are working on a deal to sign Dean Henderson permanently, and United want to add another option to their ranks after Jack Butland's loan deal also came to an end.

A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here

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