Erik ten Hag wants to sign a world-class striker and midfielder this summer if Manchester United achieve Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils are closing in on a top-four finish in the Premier League. They are fourth in the table, one point clear of Liverpool in fifth with a game in hand. United are expected to get over the line, despite Liverpool picking up seven consecutive victories.
Ten Hag's summer transfer plans hang in the balance due to the ongoing takeover saga. The Glazers are considering selling United, which could have an impact on their transfer budget. It is hoped this six-month saga will reach a conclusion shortly.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag's transfer priority is to sign a new world-class striker. Harry Kane is believed to be the Dutchman's number one target, although Victor Osimhen is also highly thought of at Old Trafford.
England captain Kane, 29, needs little introduction as one of the Premier League's most prolific stars. He has scored 29 goals this season. As for Osimhen, he has found the net 28 times this term, with 23 of those strikes coming in Sere A to gift Napoli the title.
In terms of midfield, Ten Hag would love to bring Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, 19, or Barcelona talent Frenkie de Jong, 25, to Old Trafford. United spent most of last summer trying to sign De Jong, who worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, to no avail.
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It will be difficult for United to sign Bellingham due to Real Madrid's interest in the player, while De Jong remains committed to Barcelona. As such, it's believed there are more attainable names on Ten Hag's shortlist. The age of United's midfield is thought to be a concern, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Fred all in their 30s.
Ten Hag is set to be given the money to sign a new striker, regardless of the takeover saga. Wout Weghorst, 30, is unlikely to be offered a permanent deal when his loan move from Burnley expires next month after failing to score in the Premier League.
Yet it's believed United will need to sell players if they are to fund the cash for a new midfielder if the status quo regarding the takeover remains. Ten Hag will be hoping the saga is resolved shortly, with the transfer window opening in around six weeks' time.
The Glazers put United up for sale in November, with INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani battling it out for control of the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading the race, but Sheikh Jassim made an improved offer in a last-ditch bid on Tuesday night.
The Glazers must now decide whether to accept either bid or stay on board. If they do accept an offer, it may take some time for the Premier League to approve either Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim as United's new custodian via their Owners' and Directors' Test.
United need to win two of their last three games against Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham to make sure of Champions League qualification. Liverpool will be confident of catching their bitter rivals, as they take on Aston Villa and Southampton.
