Manchester United are ready and willing to go all out for Harry Kane this summer – but the club has drawn up a list of alternatives on the strong likelihood Tottenham resist their efforts to sign the England captain.
The Red Devils are enjoying an excellent season under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has already overseen an end to their six-year trophy drought with success in the Carabao Cup.
They could also yet match Liverpool’s 2001 Treble if they also enjoy success in the FA Cup and Europa League, for which they are through to the latter stages.
And as a result of their excellent form, a return to the Champions League next season looks a near-certain reward for United.
In trusting Ten Hag to spend well over £200m last summer, United’s chiefs have been richly rewarded.
Now the next phase of his rebuilding plan is starting to take shape with another massive spending spree on the agenda.
As well documented, Ten Hag wants to sign a new big-name No 9 to lead United’s attack. The Red Devils are also in the market for a new midfielder, while another defender is also on their radar.
To whet the appetite, Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims a tasty €197m double deal will be given the green light.
However, it is most certainly their striker hunt that is drawing most attention. To that end, a plethora of names have been touted as potential targets.
Reports on Wednesday morning, though, claim United are now preparing an opening offer worth £80m for England skipper Kane.
Now the Manchester Evening News has confirmed the Tottenham man has now emerged as their outstanding No 1 choice.
Ten Hag has pecking order of targets if Kane deal fails for Man Utd
As a long-proven Premier League goalscorer, it is easy to see why Kane is United’s top choice.
On the flip side, though, is also see why Tottenham would prefer not to lose his services. And if Kane does refuse an extension – his current deal is due to expire in summer 2024 – chairman Daniel Levy would prefer to see his talismanic star move abroad instead.
As a result, the MEN claims United are drawing up a contingency plan in the event they fail to land Kane.
To that end, it seems like Ten Hag now has a pecking order of names to target, which is seemingly five players deep.
As the man second on that wishlist is Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen.
Any deal for the Nigerian will likely hit United hardest in the pocket though. His deal with the Gli Azzurri does not expire in summer 2025 and they are under no pressure to sell.
As a result, any deal this summer could set United back an eye-watering £132m (€150m).
If, as expected, that appears too prohibitive though, the Manchester Evening News claims two alternatives are now third and fourth on Ten Hag’s wishlist.
And next in line are Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund and France attacker Randal Kolo Muani.
Hojlund is enjoying an outstanding breakthrough season with Atalanta having arrived last summer from Sturm Graz. And the Dane has blasted in 17 goals in 36 appearances across all appearances this season. That tally includes an impressive five in two games for his country – form which has seen Hojlund earn comparisons to Erling Haaland.
However, they will need to act fast to seal a deal with Arsenal also strongly on his trail with a £44m – £52.8m (€50m – €60m) fee on his head.
Ten Hag pondering United striker move
Kolo Muani is also enjoying an excellent first season at his new club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Having signed as a free agent from Nantes last summer, his spectacular form earned him a place in France’s World Cup squad.
And with 16 goals and 10 assists from 35 appearances, it is easy to see why he is a man in demand. In fact, perhaps the greatest player in the world today, Kylian Mbappe, has heralded the £106m-rated star, explaining why he is the ‘complete’ player.
To complete their five-man wishlist, United are also looking at Goncalo Ramos of Benfica.
The Portuguese carries an exit clause of £106m (€120m) and has been on their radar for much of the season. And while United are keen, he has seemingly slipped to fifth choice on their list of targets.
The same can is also true of Juventus hitman Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian has previously been touted as a solid option, though is no longer seen as a primary target.
As a result, the Red Devils will pursue deals for all other options first. And it is Kane who is very much clear as their No 1 choice.
