Erik ten Hag could name a new-look Manchester United side in the coming months as they continue to be linked with a number of transfer targets, including Xavi Simons.
It is being widely reported that United have agreed a deal to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee for a fee understood to be just over £35 million.
Zirkzee has already agreed personal terms and is expected to have his medical on Friday before penning a five-year contract with the option of a further year.
Advert
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has prioritised strengthening four positions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign – a full-back, centre-back, central-midfielder and a striker.
And it appears another Netherlands international, Matthijs de Ligt, is also on the verge of joining United after agreeing personal terms with the Premier League outfit.
De Ligt is keen on a reunion with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, according to a report from The Mirror, who claim Bayern Munich want £42 million for the 24-year-old centre-back.
Advert
United, meanwhile, are optimistic that a deal can be done after Ten Hag spoke to De Ligt about his plans for the upcoming season.
In terms of other targets, it was reported last month that United are interested in signing PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who only moved to the Parc des Princes last year.
In fact, both Ugarte and PSG are open to negotiations, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the Uruguay international is expected to leave this summer.
The most recent transfer rumour emerging from Old Trafford is the somewhat surprising pursuit of Xavi Simons, who has impressed for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Advert
The Sun suggest an exit from Paris Saint-Germain would 'almost certainly' be a loan at first with an obligation to buy. PSG, meanwhile, would be looking to receive a fee of around £70 million for the attacking midfielder.
So how could Manchester United line-up next season with the above additions? We're created two potential starting XI's featuring De Ligt, Ugarte, Simons and Zirkzee.
Advert
With three possible recruits from the Netherlands mentioned above, Ten Hag has also brought in assistant managers Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy to his coaching set-up this summer.
“We want to go forward and we are so pleased to get Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake in, to bring some new dynamic, to bring some new initiative and innovation," Ten Hag said in a recent interview with MUTV.
Speaking about Van Nistelrooy, he said: “First of all, his character has brought him so far and it’s an example for everyone here in the building.
“Of course, he will also bring some DNA of Manchester United in, but that character is such a strong driver and that is also what he shows as a coach.
Advert
“He has such a highly interesting profile, he’s so ambitious, he has the skills and he already has a lot of experience.
“He’s assisted the Dutch squad, in PSV he did the Under-19s as a manager, he did the Under-21s, Jong PSV, who were playing at the second level and then he was manager of the first team.
“So much experience, but very young, very ambitious, very driven. With his skills and his intelligence, he will help all the players and the team.”
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Transfers
Jack Kenmare