Man United's impending takeover may not have the immediate desired affect, with Financial Fair Play regulations limiting their summer spending aspirations.
The race to buy the club is reaching its final stages, with both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the running to take over control from the Glazer family. Meeting the asking price of £6 billion is required to complete a deal, with the Raine Group brokering a deal on behalf of the incumbent Glazers.
Current United staff will be hoping that a deal is completed soon, with focus turning towards summer transfer targets. Erik ten Hag is thought to be in the market for a centre-back, midfielder and a world class striker, however, the club could be limited in their capacity to spend even if the takeover is completed amid financial fair play constraints.
The Mail reports United will only be able to spend £120 million, with the constraints of Financial Fair Play (FFP) limiting their financial might in the summer transfer market. That figure is believed to be close to the fee required to sign either Harry Kane of Declan Rice, meaning it is unlikely either will be attainable.
For this reason, players whose asking prices are in the region of £50-60m are more likely to be considered, with Atalanta's 20-year-old striker Rasmus Hojlund having emerged as a target.
Mason Mount could be viewed as an affordable option, with his contract expiry next summer meaning that a £55 million move could be possible. However, Chelsea face FFP constraints of their own and are seeking to push transfer negotiations hard, with a £70m asking price mooted.
New UEFA rules state that clubs can only spend 70 percent of their total income on transfers, wages and coaches and agents' fees by 2025/26. The rules began last season (2022/23) with the figure being 100 percent, before falling to 90 percent this season (2023/24) and 80 percent next (2024/25).
It means United will have to sell some squad players in order to spend, with Harry Maguire, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly and Donny van de Beek, all thought to be being lined up for exits.
A return to the Champions League for next season and the increased revenues will fuel hope that this is only a short-term problem and that any new owners can begin to spend more freely in the future.
While player transfers are limited by UEFA's rules, Sheikh Jassim's pledge of extensive funds, reported to be an additional £800m, to improve the club's infrastructure will not be affected. This means that much-needed improvements to both the club's Carrington training ground and Old Trafford can be completed without obstacles.
