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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Manchester United shown three MLS transfer bargains that could save Erik ten Hag millions

Manchester United's summer transfer spending is expected to begin in earnest soon with the announcement of Mason Mount from Chelsea.

Mount was pictured at Carrington on Tuesday as he underwent further tests ahead of his £55million move from Chelsea. He is unlikely to be the only addition with midfield not the only area which the Reds are hoping to improve.

A new centre-forward and goalkeeper are seen as top priorities this summer, while reports suggest a new left-sided winger is on Erik ten Hag's wishlist and a second midfield signing remains a possibility. United are having to operate without breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules after spending big last summer.

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ALSO READ: United considering second midfield signing

So, with the Reds on the search for potential bargains, MEN Sport identifies three players in America's Major League Soccer who could strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Jesus Ferreira - FC Dallas

United's main problem position is the centre-forward role. The vast majority of goals came from Marcus Rashford out wide and the Reds lacked a striker's threat owing to Anthony Martial's injuries, Cristiano Ronaldo's departure and Wout Weghorst's form.

Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, Randal Kolo Muani and Rasmus Hojlund are all on Ten Hag's shortlist but the reality means only one of those is affordable at best. Thus, a move for 22-year-old Ferreira could make plenty of sense.

Previously linked with Arsenal, the USMNT international has hit 10 goals in 19 appearances for his MLS side and is showing signs of promise. At the Gold Cup, Ferreira caught the eye with two hat-tricks in two matches against St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.

While not the strongest opponents, Ferreira is a man in sizzling form and could be worth the rumoured $12m (£9.42m) transfer fee as an alternative strike option next season.

Djordje Petrovic - New England Revolution

As the David de Gea situation continues to rumble on, Ten Hag's thoughts have turned towards new options in goal. Inter Milan has confirmed interest from the Reds in Andre Onana and the Cameroonian would be a great addition as first choice.

But, should De Gea and Dean Henderson leave, another 'keeper will be needed and 23-year-old Petrovic fits the bill. MEN Sport understands the Serbian shot stopper is of interest to United but an offer has not yet been submitted.

If it was, the Reds would get a 'keeper who has conceded just 24 goals in 19 appearances and kept six clean sheets in the process. Wayne Rooney is a fan having chosen him in his MLS All-Star squad for the game against Arsenal later this month, while USMNT legend Brad Friedel is confident Petrovic could start for United if signed. While the latter statement is disputable, Petrovic could provide valuable competition next season.

Cade Cowell - San Jose Earthquakes

This 19-year-old left-sided winger is exciting the USA national team this summer. At the U20 World Cup, Cowell scored three goals in four matches which earned him a call-up to the youthful Gold Cup squad.

His abilities have not gone unnoticed by Europe either with Bayern Munich, Juventus, AC Milan and Newcastle all tipped to make a move for him. With only 14 appearances to his name in the MLS this season, it is hard to judge the winger on his appearances in America but his increasing prominence in the international set-up is enough to sit up and take notice.

Cowell is hoping to add more goals to his game and is showing all the right signs but an interview with Sporting News suggests he could be out of United's reach this summer. The Californian is seeking regular games, something which is not guaranteed at Old Trafford. But, with Ten Hag known to give youngsters an opportunity to shine, a move to Manchester could be a fit.

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