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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
James Robson

Manchester United identify Harry Kane and Declan Rice as dream transfer targets with Erik ten Hag deal close

Harry Kane and Declan Rice are on Manchester United’s wanted list as they close in on the appointment of Erik ten Hag.

The Ajax coach is set to beat Mauricio Pochettino in the race for the Old Trafford hot seat, with confirmation potentially coming within days.

He has already been assured during initial talks that he will be given backing in the transfer market, with United’s recruitment team already identifying Kane and Rice as dream targets for their incoming manager.

Jude Bellingham is another England star they would love to lure from Borussia Dortmund, but it is unlikely he will be allowed to go this summer.

Ten Hag moved ahead of Pochettino after being interviewed by United’s football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher in recent weeks.

The Dutchman particularly impressed with his vision for the club. Sources insist no agreement is in place but there are not expected to be any obstacles, with a compensation fee of just £2million due to Ajax.

Ten Hag himself is understood to believe he will be the next United manager, which will come as a major blow to Pochettino.

The Paris Saint-Germain coach was keen to move to Old Trafford earlier in the season and United also considered him their first choice to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Could Harry Kane and Declan Rice follow Erik ten Hag to Manchester United? (Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

But fears of protracted negotiations with PSG midway through the campaign convinced then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to bring in Ralf Rangnick as interim until the end of the season.

It is the second time Pochettino has seen his chances of taking over at United blocked, having previously been overlooked when Solskjaer was handed the job following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

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