Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen in four areas. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United’s board are yet to agree a summer transfer budget with Erik ten Hag, despite the Dutchman’s request to sign Harry Kane.
The Red Devils are on course to finish in the top four and are through to the FA Cup final, after winning the Carabao Cup in February.
Qualifying for the Champions League would boost United’s budget but the club is currently up for sale and a new buyer appears no closer, despite a third round of bids being submitted last Friday.
The Glazer family are yet to decide whether they want to sell the entire club or to simply seek investment.
In any case, any full sale may not occur in time for the new owners to be in place for the start of the transfer window.
Kane is United’s priority target (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
For Ten Hag, that is a nightmare scenario. The Dutchman has made it clear that he needs to sign a top centre forward this summer and his choice is Tottenham star Kane.
However, negotiating with Spurs is famously difficult and United would need to be flexible in talks and on the price.
As well as a forward, Ten Hag is targeting a central midfielder, a right-back and possibly a goalkeeper – but those moves could depend on player sales.
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But, worryingly for supporters, Ten Hag admits a budget is not yet to be decided.
Asked what United’s summer budget will be, he said: ‘I don’t know. The only thing I know is that Man United is one of the biggest clubs in the world.
‘But you need funds to construct squads because the level from your players decides if you are successful or not. High-level players cost a lot of money.
‘It’s clear what I want, but it’s not up to me. It’s about others in this club. I’m focusing on improving the squad and the team development.’
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the current favourite to win the takeover battle but one of his offers includes the possibility of two Glazer siblings remaining shareholders.
Sheikh Jassim, by contrast, only wants 100% charge of the club.
The Glazer family are expected to make a decision in the next fortnight.
MORE : New Chelsea manager will have to force Ruben Loftus-Cheek to leave as part of summer overhaul
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