Cash-strapped Manchester United tell Erik ten Hag to target free transfers

Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been told he will need to target players on free transfers this summer as the club’s ‘limited’ budget means funds can only cover part of the revamp he wants to make at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman will target as many as seven players this summer, with a centre forward, a central midfielder and a centre-back considered the three priority areas.

But the Ajax boss wants to strengthen at full-back and add more depth to midfield, particularly with Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata set to leave.

However, the Sun claim Ten Hag’s budget has been capped at around £100m – which would only allow the Dutchman to sign around three players.

Ten Hag could top up his budget through player sales, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Dean Henderson available for transfer.

But other than Martial, none of those players are likely to command significant fees and the Dutchman’s been told he should target players out of contract if he wants to beef up his squad.

United held talks with Antonio Rudiger’s camp last month but they failed to convince the German to move to Old Trafford, with the out-of-contract Chelsea ace set to join Real Madrid.

His team-mate, Andreas Christesen, is another that’s available on a free transfer this season but he’s expected to join Barcelona.

The likes of Paulo Dybala, Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie are all available on free transfers this summer but Ten Hag will be given the final say on any arrivals.

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