Ibrahim Sangare: Ten Hag transfer urgency explained as Man Utd interest in Frenkie de Jong alternative is confirmed by source

Manchester United are reportedly hot on the trail of Ibrahim Sangare – but Erik ten Hag has been urged to act fast to avoid missing out on the PSV Eindhoven midfielder.

The United boss is busy preparing his side for next Sunday’s Premier League opener at home to Brighton. After just a couple of months in the hotseat, the Dutchman will be hoping to make his influence felt and bring about a big improvement. Indeed, after their lowest ever Premier League points tally last season saw them finish sixth, there are many who believe the only way is up.

However, putting his own stamp on the United side has proven tough for Ten Hag. He does have three signings, though, with Lisandro Martinez joining Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen through the entrance door.

But landing a defensive midfield signing remains something that has eluded Ten Hag so far. Efforts to sign his No 1 target, Frenkie de Jong, are extremely well documented.

And Sunday’s Transfer Gossip has details of a bold final play from United in order to get the deal done.

However, it’s probably in United’s best interests that they do consider alternative options.

To that end, reports on Saturday suggested a move for Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz was under consideration.

And a few days earlier, Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic reportedly saw an opening for himself over a move to Old Trafford.

With the new season fast approaching, however, Gary Neville has outlined the need for Manchester United to better protect their defence.

And while De Jong is more a midfield dictator, they reportedly see defensively-minded Sangare as a genuine alternative.

Now United’s interest in the 24-year-old Ivorian has been confirmed by journalist Dean Jones.

United need to act quickly to secure Ibrahim Sangare

However, PSV are well aware of growing interest in acquiring Sangare. To that end, Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, claims the Eredivisie side are looking to tie the defensive midfielder down to a new contract.

“PSV want him to sign a new deal. So I don’t think United can really hang around on this one,” Jones revealed. “But he is definitely someone they’ve had on the radar.

“I’m wondering what their intent really is given they haven’t made any moves yet,” Jones added.

As such, if United are to make their move, they will need to act sooner rather than later.

He reportedly has a release clause in his PSV deal worth £29.9m (€35m), which would likely be raised should he commit to a new deal.

That current arrangement currently expires in 2025.

But standing at 6ft 3in, Sangare is an imposing figure in PSV’s midfield. The 24-times capped Ivorian is a strong tackler, with an excellent pass completion record. As such, he looks well equipped to make the leap to the Premier League.

Furthermore, Ibrahim Sangare is a player Ten Hag knows well from his time in charge of Ajax. Indeed, Sangare put in sublime performance as his side overcame the Amsterdammers 2-1 in the KNVB Cup final.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent a blunt message on his Man Utd future, with Ten Hag sent a failure warning should the star quit.