Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to sign a world-class striker and midfielder

Erik ten Hag is determined to recruit a world-class striker and midfielder if Manchester United secure Champions League qualification.

Ten Hag has identified Harry Kane as the ideal centre forward to reinforce the United attack while the club are also monitoring Napoli figurehead Victor Osimhen.

The United manager has endorsed second approaches for Jude Bellingham or Frenkie de Jong, though Bellingham has been widely tipped to join Real Madrid and Barcelona's finances would pose an issue in any pursuit for De Jong.

Also read: United set to release five players

De Jong worked with Ten Hag for 18 months at Ajax and has been cited as an example of the profile United should target by his former manager.

Although De Jong and Bellingham are viewed as the most desirable options, Ten Hag is also considering more attainable options.

With summer signings Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both 31 and fellow midfielder Fred 30, Ten Hag wants a younger and domineering midfielder to complete United's transition to a more controlling style.

Ten Hag regards a striker as a priority and money is believed to have been set aside for a potential club-record investment in a new goalscorer.

However, well-placed sources have suggested a move for an eminent midfielder would have to be financed by outgoings, irrespective of United's ownership.

Unted could encounter competition for a striker as recruitment staff are mindful Chelsea and Bayern Munich are likely to be in the market for a new No.9. Figures at United are also reluctant to "play games" with the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy amid their interest in Kane.

Ten Hag is understood to feel United have limitations in their frontline. Marcus Rashford is United's highest scorer with 29 goals this