Erik ten Hag tells Man Utd bosses to sign £140m midfield duo who would spark Premier League title challenge
Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Manchester United bosses to target two Premier League midfielders with a combined value of around £140million this summer.
The Dutchman has enjoyed an impressive first campaign, leading the club to Carabao Cup glory. Meanwhile, United are also well in the mix to finish in the top four and also have a Europa League quarter-final and FA Cup semi-final to look forward to.
However, the Red Devils boss knows he needs more quality reinforcements if United are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
And it appears that Ten Hag is targeting his midfield in terms of an area that needs bolstering.
Both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have enjoyed excellent campaigns. However, there is a drop off when either of those have been absent, as they have been through injury and suspension respectively.
Scott McTominay did score the opening goal in Saturday’s win over Everton but continues to be linked with a switch to Newcastle, while Marcel Sabitzer is only on loan and Fred is now a back-up at best.
That has led to the likes of Declan Rice being linked with a switch to Old Trafford. However, reports on Sunday claim that Ten Hag has urged the club to raid Brighton for both Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.
Judging by the latest reports, Rice appears destined for a move to Arsenal – if he does eventually leave West Ham.
Brighton duo a step up on McTominay, Fred
That will then leave Ten Hag looking at other options, and the Daily Telegraph claims that United are looking for Caicedo to fill the defensive role while Mac Allister will be more of a box-to-box No.8.
Caicedo, 21, was the subject of multiple failed bids from Arsenal during the January transfer window. And, the fact that he wanted that move, shows he is willing to quit the Seagulls even after signing a contract extension at The Amex.
As for Mac Allister, the Argentina World Cup winner is one of the most highly sought-after players in England, with Chelsea and Liverpool both keen on the 24-year-old.
But the Telegraph adds that United are now firmly in the mix to add Mac Allister to Ten Hag’s engine room.
What the report does not make fully clear is whether Ten Hag wants only one or both of the Brighton stars, and also whether he has a preference over one or the other.
If they did sign both players, who are valued at £70million each, then that would be a huge outlay on one position, particularly when United need a new No.9 as well.
The Red Devils arer back in action on Thursday night when they face Sevilla in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
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