Man Utd told to act fast as price is named for attacking diamond Ten Hag loves with Prem rivals tabling record bid

Manchester United are being urged to move with haste if they want to land one of Erik ten Hag’s favourite players after Brighton reportedly lodged a club-record bid for his services.

The Red Devils are very much in the market for a new centre forward this summer as Ten Hag looks to further strengthen his squad. Indeed, both Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial are likely to move on this summer, leaving United with potentially two positions to fill.

As a result, United have drawn up a long list of attacking targets they are looking at as transfer options. This feature handily compares the stats of six of those players during the 2022/23 season.

Now things are starting to heat up on the transfer front with more movement expected on Harry Kane. Bayern Munich have seen an opening offer rejected for the England marksman but are expected to come again. To that end, trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the saga, as well as detailing Man Utd’s intentions over the Tottenham talisman.

It’s not just Kane whom United have been linked with, however. Indeed, while Victor Osimhen looks too pricey, Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani are both viable options for the Red Devils.

And one name they have also been linked with from time to time is Mohammed Kudus. The Ajax star has taken his game to another level in the last 12 months, having enjoyed an excellent season for Ajax.

A player Ten Hag knows well from his time at Ajax, he scored 17 times in all competitions, adding three assists from 43 appearances.

READ MORE: Ten Hag in dreamland as Ornstein confirms major Man Utd target will move this summer

Brighton set to beat Man Utd to Mohammed Kudus

Capable of playing across the frontline, Kudus is a player much appreciated by Ten Hag.

Perhaps more identifying as an attacking midfielder, Kudus would probably be more an alternative option for Mason Mount.

United have seen Chelsea react negatively to their opening gambits for the England star, leaving Ten Hag and Co to consider alternative targets.

That is where Kudus come come into play for the Red Devils.

And with Ajax willing to sell Kudus this summer, United will potentially never have a better chance of reuniting Ten Hag with the Ghanaian.

As a result, the Dutch giants are reportedly open to his sale if any side matches their £40m asking price.

However, rather than United making an approach, it is Brighton who are in the driving seat to land the 22-year-old.

Per the Daily Mail, Roberto Di Zerbi’s side are holding a second round of talks at securing his signing. The Seagulls have already smashed their transfer record once, paying Watford £30m for Joao Pedro.

However, they look well placed to soon topple that with hopes growing an agreement can be reached for Kudus.

Ajax are eager to get the sale wrapped up quickly to aid their own summer business. And that could play into Brighton’s hands as they look to steal a march on his other would-be suitors.

As a result, United will need to act fast – presumably first making a decision on whether to raise their bid for Mount – if they are to sign Kudus.

The Seagulls want to sign the 24-times capped Ghana star as a replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool.

Kudus agent claims transfer is on the cards

Kudus’ agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch has indicated her client is open to leaving Ajax this summer, putting potential suitors on high alert.

She told De Telegraaf: “I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now.

“Now is the right time. He has ignored a proposal to extend his contract until the summer of 2026.

“What I can say is that after the World Cup and this season there’s a lot of interest.”

Brighton can offer Kudus Europa League football next season. However, the player is reportedly keen to move to a UCL club first if the option presents itself. That would give Man Utd the upper hand were they to enter into talks of their own.

But for now it is Brighton in the driving seat as they look to improve on last season’s top-six finish.

READ MORE: Chelsea ‘open talks’ for massive signing of Man Utd midfield target despite Mason Mount roadblock