Erik ten Hag has made it clear to the Manchester United hierarchy that he wants a deal for a new No.9 wrapped up before the club embark on their pre-season tour of the United States at the start of July.
The club are currently in the midst of a complex takeover process after the Glazer family announced back in November that they had decided to put United on the market after 18 years at the helm.
A number of high-profile suitors, including Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and lifelong United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have submitted two rounds of bids for the club, but United are still working on plans for the future in the background.
Ten Hag has made an instant impact at Old Trafford and has the club firmly on course for a return to the Champions League, but is desperate to land an elite No.9 in the summer after parting ways with Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the season. And the former Ajax chief has made it clear that he will not accept the takeover saga having a detrimental affect on his summer planning by laying out a firm transfer deadline.
According to ESPN, Ten Hag wants his top transfer priority sorted before the club jet off on their pre-season tour - regardless of whoever is in charge at Old Trafford come the summer. That could leave club staff just weeks to thrash out a high-profile deal after the current Premier League campaign concludes.
Tottenham forward Harry Kane and Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen are believed to be the two names at the top of Ten Hag's summer wishlist, while Atalanta hotshot Rasmus Hojlund - dubbed the 'next Erling Haaland ' is also being tracked by Old Trafford scouts.
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Ten Hag's striker deadline comes amid concerns from staff that the ongoing takeover saga will significantly disrupt the Dutchman's preparations for next season unless clarity is provided soon.
Although Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe have submitted substantial bids to purchase the club in full, it is believed that neither have come close to the Glazers' huge £6billion asking price, which could lead to them reneging on their decision to sell up.
It's also likely that any takeover would mean significant off-field changes at the club, which could cause concern at Old Trafford given Ten Hag has worked well with director of football John Murtough in the transfer market.
It remains to be seen when clarity will be provided in terms of the ongoing takeover saga. All parties, including groups are are seeking to purchase a minority share in the club rather than a controlling majority, are currently waiting to hear when a preferred bidder will be announced.
