Manchester United could splash the cash once more in January as Erik ten Hag aims to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the Premier League season.
The Red Devils are being strongly linked to a number of players but Ten Hag could be about to raid Ajax and swoop for one of his former colleagues. Elsewhere, United have been told that they will need to pay the full release clause of Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa if they wish to capture him next year, while they face further competition for the signing of an MLS star.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest stories coming out of Old Trafford…
Ten Hag planning second Ajax raid
Despite having brought Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Old Trafford shortly after he arrived himself, Ten Hag is now eyeing up a deal for World Cup star and Ghana international Mohammed Kudus.
The 22-year-old already has 10 goals and two assists for the reigning Eredivisie champions this season and is said to be open to a move away from Amsterdam next year, with Ten Hag being put on red alert as a result as he aims to bolster United’s attacking options in January.
Now, The Athletic have reported that Ten Hag is an admirer of the Ghana international due to his ‘skill and dynamism’, while the article also states that a new forward recruit is a ‘priority’ ahead of January. However, Ajax could demand a fee of around £40million.
Should Man Utd make a genuine attempt to sign Kudus next month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
United set Costa demands
Man United are known to have a strong interest in Porto goalkeeper Costa but have been told that they must pay his €75million release clause in full if they wish to sign him next summer.
The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers and is seen as a long-term replacement for David de Gea - whose contract expires at the end of the season. Costa has already featured 19 times for Porto this season and started all five of Portugal’s games at the World Cup.
And according to the print edition of Correio da Manha, via Sport Witness, a big bid of €75million will be required next summer if United are to sign Costa, while other clubs could also be in the race for his signature.
United rivalled for MLS star
Man United will face heavy competition for the signing of Chicago Fire and Colombia striker Jhon Duran after Benfica became the latest club to register their interest in his services.
The Red Devils are said to have already made enquiries over the 18-year-old, according to The Sun, who picked up eight goals and five assists in 27 games last season and made his senior breakthrough with Colombia’s national team.
Chelsea have also been credited with an interest, but Portuguese outlet Record have now revealed that Benfica have been added to the list and are keen on making a move for Duran in the January transfer window, leaving United with little time to act.
