Manchester United will hand Adidas executive Matt Hargreaves a key role in their recruitment team at Old Trafford ahead of a crucial summer transfer window, it has been claimed.
The Red Devils face a key summer transfer window ahead of Erik ten Hag ’s second season in charge. A number of targets have already been identified ahead of the window but negotiations will be spearheaded by a new man.
According to The Telegraph, Hargreaves has been appointed as the club’s director of football negotiations and will become a direct replacement for Matt Judge, who previously worked alongside Ed Wooodward before his departure. The new man will front negotiations on the transfer front for the club and will start before the summer transfer window.
Hargreaves had been a marketing director at German sportswear giant Adidas where his role involved players and scouting. He is thought to have a previous relationship with the Red Devils after playing a role in talks as Adidas became the club’s kit supplier ahead of the 2015/16 season.
He is expected to be very busy once he arrives at Old Trafford as the Red Devils attempt to add to the squad already at the club. A number of targets have been identified, with a big-name striker and potentially another midfielder on the shopping list.
Despite that, United have already run into significant hurdles regarding a couple of their prime targets. One of those who could be drafted in to fill the striker vacancy at the club is Tottenham ’s Harry Kane.
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The Red Devils face considerable competition for him from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the German giants could also cause trouble in the race for Ajax star Jurrien Timber.
The Red Devils have long been linked with a move for the young Dutchman - rumours circling last summer. Bayern are apparently considering a move for him should Benjamin Pavard fail to agree a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
Away from incoming transfers, there is also plenty on the to-do list regarding players currently under contract. David De Gea is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and could be set to bid farewell to Old Trafford.
A further ten players including Marcus Rashford see their deals expire in just over a year’s time, with Hargreaves expected to play a huge role in renewal talks. Speaking about the striker’s form and his future following the Europa League victory over Real Betis, Erik ten Hag said: "I answered in the summer if I thought Rashford or [Anthony] Martial could score 20 plus goals and I said yes. I believe. So rewind it back.
“When we have news [about Rashford's contract] we will bring it immediately."
