Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag targeting five signings in transfer window

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is targeting at least five signings before the transfer window closes.

The Manchester Evening News understands United are making progress in discussions over a fee for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with the Catalan club insistent that De Jong be sold despite his preference to stay.

Ten Hag earmarked Jurrien Timber as his prime defensive target and wants to sign Timber’s Ajax teammate, Antony, as well as Christian Eriksen, out of contract at Brentford next week.

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Ten Hag sounded out De Jong, 25, last month about the prospect of reuniting at United, having developed the Netherlands international for 18 months at Ajax.

Barcelona are holding out for a fee potentially rising to £85million and United are adamant they won't be held to ransom to ease Barca’s financial problems.

United worked on a deal for Kalvin Phillips prior to Ten Hag's official appointment but Leeds United's survival and Manchester City's interest have reduced their chances of securing a deal.

Ten Hag and United football director John Murtough have shortlisted Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres and Braga defender David Carmo among the alternatives should Timber choose to stay at Ajax or move elsewhere.

Timber, 21, has indicated he would be comfortable remaining at Ajax and the Dutch champions have already sold Ryan Gravenberch, wanted by Ten Hag at United, to Bayern Munich and would not be under pressure to sell Timber and Antony.

As of last week, United were hopeful of signing Timber but the uncertainty over his playing time before the World Cup has plunged the move into doubt.

Antony, 22, is a left-footed forward who operates from the