New Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in more than five new players this summer as he looks to improve his squad, according to reports.
The Red Devils are already playing catch up with most of their ‘Big Six’ rivals in the transfer market with Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham doing early business.
Ten Hag has a lot of work on to turn around United’s fortunes after they finished sixth in the Premier League last season, 13 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and 35 points adrift of champions Man City.
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Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been earmarked by Ten Hag as his marquee signing before he splashes the remainder of his budget elsewhere.
And the Manchester Evening News name De Jong as one of ‘at least five signings’ Ten Hag wants before the transfer window shuts at the end of the summer.
It is understood that Man Utd are ‘making progress in discussions over a fee’ with Barcelona ‘insistent that De Jong be sold’.
Jurrien Timber is Ten Hag’s ‘prime defensive target’ while another of his former Ajax players, Antony, is on his wishlist and Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen is another top target.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte ‘is interested in re-signing Eriksen and Spurs have Champions League football to offer’ but Man Utd remain hopeful.
A deal for Timber looks likely to be tricky with a report last week insisting that the Netherlands international has decided to remain at Ajax.
But Man Utd reportedly have a plan with the MEN adding that Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Braga’s David Carmo are ‘among the alternatives’ to Timber.
The report adds that ‘their chances of securing a deal’ for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips have reduced with Man City now ready to make a bid for the England international.
With Dean Henderson expected to leave Man Utd this summer as Nottingham Forest close in on his signing, Ten Hag wants to bring in another goalkeeper.
Newcastle’s Karl Darlow and Watford’s Daniel Bachmann are ‘under consideration’ with Lee Grant also announcing his retirement in the summer.
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