Erik ten Hag has put a huge emphasis on improving Manchester United's squad following his arrival at Old Trafford a year ago.
United went big in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong last summer before eventually adding Casemiro to their midfield ranks. While different players, both are top-class midfielders who would walk into almost any side in the world.
It appears Ten Hag has issued a similar brief to his bosses at United once again this summer, with Tottenham's Harry Kane his preferred candidate to become the club's new world-class centre-forward. While The Reds remain interested, they are working on the assumption that Spurs will not sign off on their record goalscorer's departure this summer.
But with just 12 months left on his contract in London, there is a very real possibility that Kane could leave for nothing in a year's time. Should that happen, United are almost certain to be interested in signing him.
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That means he could become Ten Hag's second high-profile free signing at United after the club swooped to bring in Christian Eriksen last year. While not as high-profile as Casemiro's transfer from Real Madrid, the addition of Eriksen proved vital during United's first season under Ten Hag as he added further quality in the middle of the park and helped break up the underwhelming Scott McTominay and Fred partnership that had dominated the club's starting XI for the last few years.
The Denmark international capped off an impressive first season at United with two goals and 10 assists in 44 games across all competitions - proving what a bargain signing he has been for the club. Should Kane not renew his contract with Tottenham and United fail to agree on an acceptable fee with Spurs to bring him in this summer, Ten Hag may have to wait until he is available for nothing in a year's time.
While that scenario would be far from ideal for United, it would save the club money in the long run as they could still bring in another player this summer while adding Kane in 12 months' time. That would, ultimately, see Ten Hag add the most depth to his squad and allow the United boss to repeat his trick of bringing in world-class players for nothing.
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