Manchester United is looking to strengthen their squad this summer as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title next season. Erik ten Hag has had a successful first year in charge of the Red Devils, winning the Carabao Cup and returning them to the Champions League after a six-year absence. However, they finished 14 points behind their local rivals Manchester City, and it is widely accepted that they need to improve their team if they want to compete with Pep Guardiola’s men. Here are five players linked with moves to Old Trafford that could help them mount a serious push for the title.
Harry Kane is Manchester United’s highest-profile target. The Tottenham striker, who scored 30 Premier League goals this season, is expected to cost around £100 million. Kane is preparing to enter the final year of his contract and has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, Real Madrid is also interested in signing him as a replacement for Karim Benzema.
Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae is being heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A champions. Despite only joining the club in the summer for £15 million from Fenerbahce, his £40 million release clause becomes active on July 1. Manchester United is leading the race to sign him and is desperate for a centre-back to replace Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, both of whom are expected to leave in the coming weeks.
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League. The 26-year-old Italy international is thought to be another option Ten Hag is keen on alongside Mason Mount and Declan Rice. Manchester United is one of four English sides interested in him, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Newcastle also keeping tabs on him.
If both Maguire and Lindelof depart, Ten Hag will want another top-quality central defender to back up Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, even if Min-jae also joins. Manchester United has held “positive talks” with Monaco defender Axel Disasi, 25, who can play at centre-half and right-back. He is expected to leave the Ligue 1 side after they missed out on a place in the Champions League.
Brentford’s impressive campaign has seen goalkeeper David Raya catch the eyes of Premier League clubs. David de Gea is out of contract this summer, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will agree on a new deal. If the Spaniard departs, Manchester United is interested in replacing him with compatriot Raya, 27, who Tottenham is also keen on.