Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United bosses to spend £ 115m and bring in two stars with world-class potential, while Chelsea have made a decision on the future of French midfielder N’Golo Kante, both in Transfer Gossip on Sunday.
THE AMBITIOUS HAVE HAG DOUBLE FLIGHT SWOOP
Ten Hag has set his “priority” transfer to Manchester United, according to the Daily Mirror, and the first player he wants to take to Old Trafford is Ajax midfielder Jurrien Timber.
The 20-year-old was a stone in the back of Ajax during the 2021-22 season, with 43 appearances in all competitions.
That’s why Ten Hag knows the Dutch international Timber very well and thinks he would be a great addition to United.
Timber is on the verge of becoming one of the best central defenders in Europe and Ten Hag wants his development to continue in Manchester.
Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have received criticism this season, so it’s easy to see why Ten Hag prioritizes capturing a new powerhouse.
Despite his tender age, Timber is a reliable and composed player. And it should also bring a winning attitude to United.
The Ajax graduate has already won two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup in 74 matches with the Dutch team.
The wood would cost the Red Devils £ 35 million, according to the report. This represents a reasonable sum given the high ceiling of the star.
Previous reports have suggested that there is an agreement between Timber and United on personal terms, which makes it likely to reunite with Ten Hag this summer.
Jurrien Timber accepts the terms and Man United leads the Milinkovic-Savic race
Manchester United coach Erik Ten Hag will take Jurrien Timber from Ajax and aim to reach an agreement between Milinkovic and Savic with Lazio
Timber isn’t the only young ace Ten Hag hopes to incorporate. El Mirror also claims to be a big fan of Benfica striker Darwin Núñez.
The Uruguayan scored 34 goals in the recent season, making him one of the most sought after players in Europe.
Núñez is 22 years old, which means he has plenty of time to improve even more, a frightening thought for defenders given his current scoring percentage.
United have been chasing Núñez for a few months and the arrival of Ten Hag has not changed that. The Dutch coach wants Núñez to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s successor at the helm.
Benfica are asking for £ 80 million for Núñez, which makes perfect sense after the impressive campaign he has had.
If United wants to join Ten Hag’s transfer demands, they will have to spend £ 115 million in the summer window.
THE CHELSEA SONG ALSO A MAN UTD SIGHT
United are also believed to be in the mix of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, who will soon be in the final 12 months of his contract with the Blues.
Kante has had a disappointing season due to groin and knee injuries, as well as coronavirus. Still, he remains one of the best midfielders in the world and would be a fantastic signing for Ten Hag.
The Guardian recently claimed that United has an interest in French, and The Athletic now comes with an update.
They reveal that Chelsea have made a decision on the future of Kante, and this is good news for those on the red side of Manchester.
Chelsea are ready to let Kante, 31, leave in the summer. And he will be available for a reduced price given his contractual situation and the fact that Thomas Tuchel wants to renew his midfield.
This basically gives the green light to United to make a bid for Kante, who won the World Cup with France in 2018.
Ten Hag now has to decide, along with senior club officials, whether chasing Kante is the right option for United.
But his massive impact on the pitch and his extensive experience in the Premier League probably make him a main target.
The report does not say exactly how long Chelsea will last. transfermarkt values Kante at £ 45 million, but it shouldn’t cost as much due to his age and contract.
United should meet any price Chelsea ask. Such a move would see them weaken a Prem rival and incorporate a world-class star into their ranks.
LEEDS O’BRIEN CHASE REQUESTS CRUCIAL FACTOR
The Sun says Leeds are preparing to replace Huddersfield man Lewis O’Brien.
The central midfielder was a target for Leeds last season, although he was unable to complete the move before the August transfer deadline.
The whites continue to monitor O’Brien’s situation and Jesse Marsch expects football director Victor Orta to make a £ 10million bid.
That rate is well within Leeds’ budget, as they have just paid £ 25 million to Red Bull Salzburg for American star Brenden Aaronson.
This offer could tempt Huddersfield to sell. However, potential movement depends on a crucial factor.
Huddersfield will play Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-off final on Sunday afternoon. If the Terriers win, they will have the finances to turn down Leeds’ offer and give O’Brien a new attractive deal.
Such a contract would also warn other top contenders if the Englishman shines in the Prem.
But if O’Brien’s team loses and Forest goes up, then Huddersfield may choose to sell and use the money to improve other areas of the team.
Leeds will be watching the Wembley clash closely to find out their chances of O’Brien landing once the transfer window opens.