Manchester United are close to securing a Champions League comeback under Erik ten Hag but still need two more Premier League wins to confirm their fate
The Red Devils are approaching 4th place in the Premier League. They are ranked 4th on the table, 1 point more than the 5th ranked team Liverpool with 1 game less. United are set to cross the line, even though Liverpool have won seven games in a row.
Ten Hag's summer transfer plans are in the works due to the ongoing takeover saga. The Glazers are considering selling United, which could affect their transfer budget. We hope that this six-month saga will come to an end soon.
As the Manchester Evening News reports, Ten Hag's transfer priority is to sign a new world-class striker. Harry Kane is said to be the number one target of the Dutch military leader, although Victor Osimhen is also highly appreciated at Old Trafford.
England captain Kane, 29, needs no introduction as one of the Premier League's top goalscorers. He has scored 29 goals this season. As for Osimhen, he has scored 28 goals this season, including 23 at Sere A to help Napoli win the title.
On the midfield, Ten Hag wants to bring Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, 19, or Barcelona's talented Frenkie de Jong, 25, to Old Trafford. United spent much of last summer trying to sign De Jong, who had worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, to no avail.
Frenkie de Jong and Harry Kane are both on Manchester United's shortlist
Frenkie de Jong and Harry Kane are both on Manchester United's shortlist
It will be difficult for United to sign Bellingham given Real Madrid's interest in the player, while De Jong remains committed to Barcelona. Therefore, it is believed that there are more accessible names on the Ten Hag shortlist. The age of United's midfielders is seen as a concern, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Fred all in their 30s.
Ten Hag should be given the money to sign a new striker, regardless of the takeover story. Wout Weghorst, 30, is unlikely to be offered a permanent deal when his loan from Burnley expires next month after failing to score in the Premier League.
However, it is believed United will have to sell players if they want to fund a new midfielder if the takeover situation persists. Ten Hag hopes the story will be resolved soon, with the transfer window opening in about six weeks.
The Glazers put United up for sale in November, with INEOS director Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani vying for control of the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading the race, but Sheikh Jassim delivered the better bid in a final bid on Tuesday night.
The Glazers must now decide whether to accept the offer or stay on board. If they accept the offer, it could take some time for the Premier League to approve Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim as United's new goalkeeper through their owner and director's test. United must win two of their last three matches against Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham to secure Champions League spot. Liverpool will be confident of catching up to their nasty opponents, when they take on Aston Villa and Southampton.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0