Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly drawn up a six-player shortlist of targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are still basking in the glory of winning their first piece of silverware for six years after lifting the EFL Cup on Sunday, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in Sunday's final at Wembley.
While the prospect of an unprecedented quadruple remains in sight this season, Man United are believed to be planning ways in which they can improve the first-team squad this summer to ensure that they continue to challenge on all front in the years to come.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has an interest in as many as six players, including Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who was involved in a drawn-out transfer saga with the Red Devils last summer.
The report adds that Ten Hag is open for Man United to pursue De Jong once again this summer, although striking a deal with both the player and Barcelona could prove challenging.
Indeed, De Jong has continuously expressed his desire to stay at Camp Nou, while club president Joan Laporta has insisted that they have "never" wanted to cash in on the 25-year-old Dutchman, despite their financial problems.
© Reuters
Speaking to BarcaTV, Laporta said: "I have never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong because he is one of the mainstays we have, he is one of the great talents, young and called to be like he is already one of the team leaders."
De Jong is not the only midfielder on Ten Hag's radar as the report adds that Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is also a summer target for the Red Devils.
The 19-year-old is set to be one of the most sought-after players in Europe ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also said to be interested in his services.
However, Dortmund are keen to keep hold of the Englishman for at least another year and value him at a whopping €150m (£132m).
Another target said to be on Ten Hag's shortlist is Tottenham Hotspur's all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane, with Man United expected to delve into the market for a new striker as they look to find a permanent replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
© Reuters
Wout Weghorst was brought in on loan from Burnley in January, but the Red Devils are understood to have no plans to sign the 30-year-old – who has scored just once in 12 appearances – on a permanent basis.
Napoli goal machine Victor Osimhen is also believed to be a target for Man United, with the Nigerian establishing himself as one of the most prolific striker's in Europe this season, netting 21 goals in 25 games for the Serie A leaders.
Ten Hag is also said to have been 'impressed' by Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, who was linked with a possible switch to Old Trafford last summer and has since found the net 19 times in 32 appearances for the Portuguese side this season.
Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus is the final name on Ten Hag's shortlist, and the United boss is familiar with the Ghanaian having worked with his during his time in charge of the Eredivisie giants.
The 22-year-old, who can operate in numerous positions in the final third, is Ajax's top scorer so far this term, netting 16 goals in 32 games including four strikes in six Champions League group-stage outings.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News also states that captain Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Alex Telles – currently on loan at Sevilla – are among a number of senior players who could be sold by the Red Devils this summer.
