Ten Hag puts Man Utd board in sticky situation with ‘transfer demand’

Eriksen previews Man Utd's trip to Sevilla

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly told senior figures at the club that he wants a new marquee striker in his ranks by the start of pre-season. The prospects of the Red Devils board being able to deliver appear slim, however, particularly in the case of Tottenham captain Harry Kane.

A high-class central striker would likely take United to the next level and they are expected to sign one before the start of next season. Wout Weghorst has struggled in front of goal since arriving on loan in January, while Anthony Martial’s patchy fitness record shows no sign of improving.

Given that United’s number-one priority in the summer transfer market has been known for some time, Ten Hag hopes that the board will waste no time signing a striker when the window opens. According to Sky Sports News, having a new marksman at Old Trafford by the start of pre-season would be Ten Hag’s ‘ideal scenario’.

However, intensifying rumours over Kane being United’s preferred target suggest that the board will be unable to satisfy the Dutchman.

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Reports indicate that Tottenham will once again stand firm this summer by telling suitors that Kane is not for sale, regardless of where they finish in the Premier League. Having sacked Antonio Conte and his interim successor, Cristian Stellini, Spurs are only in with an outside chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy ignored Kane’s desire to join Manchester City in 2021 and blocked the deal from progressing. He could do so again this summer, particularly given that United are considered a Premier League rival.

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As a result, United’s recruitment team could be in a sticky situation with regard to thrashing out a deal for Kane before pre-season begins. With Spurs set to make life difficult, despite the striker approaching the final year of his contract, the transfer saga could rumble on throughout the summer.

While Kane would virtually guarantee Premier League goals and assists, Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has also emerged as a major candidate to lead the line at Old Trafford next season.

Just like Kane, however, a move for the Nigerian may not be quick and easy to negotiate as Napoli are poised to demand a healthy return on the £72million they paid Lille in 2020. Furthermore, the Azzurri may not be keen to part company with their star striker immediately after winning the Serie A title.

Ten Hag will be desperate to avoid a repeat of the Frenkie de Jong transfer saga that garnered attention throughout last summer’s transfer window, and resulted in the midfielder staying at Barcelona regardless.

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