How Man Utd could look like England next season as Harry Kane leads flurry of potential Three Lions signings
MANCHESTER UNITED appear to be finally on the right track as Erik Ten Hag closes in on a top four finish.
But a 7-0 hammering at Liverpool showed there is work to be done on the transfer front for the Red Devils to be ready for Champions League football.
Harry Kane is a top target, with United confident of a deal.
And there is little doubt that should Kane join, he will be accompanied in a front three by Marcus Rashford.
The local hero has yet to pen a new deal but with him already enjoying a record goal tally under Ten Hag, why would he want to be anywhere else?
On the right, Jadon Sancho will continue to face competition from Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
However, the ex-Man City youngster is expected to hold down regular place at Old Trafford for many years to come.
Sancho’s old Dortmund team-mate Jude Bellingham is the most sought after player in Europe going into this summer’s transfer window.
Real Madrid and Liverpool are the favourites to land the midfielder but he has been a United target since his Birmingham days.
Should Liverpool fail to make the top four and Bellingham not fancy a move to Spain, the Red Devils will instantly move to pole position for his signature.
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And partnering Bellingham could be Declan Rice, who has also been a long term United target.
The signing for Rice would also set up an intriguing battle for a place with enforcer Casemiro, who has more than lived up to his £70m price tag to become one of the team’s most impressive performers.
However, the Red Devils will face stiff competition from London sides Arsenal and Chelsea for Rice’s signature.
But they could get one over Chelsea by purchasing Mason Mount in a cut price deal, with his contract to expire in 2024.
The attacking midfielder has yet to agree a new deal with the Blues and both his performances and relationship with the West London club’s hierarchy appear to be deteriorating.
It is thought that the West Londoners would be prepared to sell for a fee of around £50m.
Signing Mason Mount would also ramp up the pressure on Bruno Fernandes.
The vice-captain infuriated United fans with his display at Anfield, as he was even accused of asking to be substituted.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has yet to impress Gareth Southgate sufficiently on the ball to earn an England cap.
However, things are different at Old Trafford where his attitude has impressed the manager and he has muscled his way into first team contention.
Captain Harry Maguire is also in and out of the team, and a potential candidate to leave United in the summer.
However, he claims Erik ten Hag has told him he is a top centre-back and he may yet decide to stay and fight for his place.
Luke Shaw has shown himself to be capable of filling it at left-centre-back when called upon, and is set to continue starting there or at left-back for the foreseeable future.
Should Shaw make a more permanent switch to centre-back, United would need to decide whether or not to sign competition for Tyrell Malacia at left-back.
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell is far from a top Man Utd target, but he is a lifelong fan of the club.
In goal, David de Gea is closing in on a new deal but is looking less and less a long-term option.
That is reflected in Man Utd preparing to offer the Spaniard a reduced and incentive-based contract.
The Sun has revealed that the 32-year-old will only be able to pick up the maximum £250,000-salary he is being offered if he plays in over 50 per cent of matches.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is in no hurry to leave Everton as he has just agreed a new £150,000-a-week deal.
However, the Toffees are 18th in the table having played a game more than the competition.
With Pickford’s impending new contract containing no relegation clause, it is difficult to see the Three Lions stopper playing in the Championship.
And though Chelsea are said to be the club most keen on Pickford, with their need for a new goalkeeper greater than Man Utd’s, the Red Devils will have to purchase a new man between the sticks in the relatively near future.