Erik Ten Hag Targeting 'At Least' FIVE Signings Despite Manchester United's Slow Start In Transfer Window

Newly appointed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is targeting at least five signings this summer window, according to reports.

Everyone has an opinion on the number of signings Manchester United need to make in the transfer market this summer. Joe Bernstein of Mail Sport reported towards the end of April that there was a belief at the club that freeing up squad spaces would allow them to make four or five signings.

Chris Wheeler of Mail Sport mentioned the same towards the beginning of the month of June, stating that the club would look to freshen up the squad by making up to five new signings this summer.

Samuel Luckhurst of The Manchester Evening News has added on that now, mentioning that Erik ten Hag would look to make 'at least five signings' by the end of the summer window.

Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong is a major target of Erik ten Hag. (Alamy)

Frenkie de Jong has obviously been Manchester United's priority target so far this summer. Samuel Luckhurst mentions that United are making progress in discussions over a fee for the player.

Barcelona are said to be wanting a fee potentially rising to £85m, but United are said to be adamant that they won't be held to ransom to ease Barcelona's financial issues.

United were reported to be confident that Barcelona would reduce their asking price for the player, and are also said to be holding internal discussions about making a second offer for the player.

After being reluctant to move to Old Trafford initially, it was widely mentioned that he would be more open to the prospect of a reunion with Erik ten Hag if Barcelona do decide to go ahead with a sale.

Christian Eriksen

From seemingly being a very good supplementary signing on a free transfer, it has recently emerged that Erik ten Hag actually wants the player a fair bit.

Luckhurst mentions the same, stating that he's one player the new manager would like to have at Old Trafford.

It emerged about a week ago that United definitely want to sign both Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen this summer, having made an offer too for the latter. 

Christen Eriksen playing for Denmark

Since then, it's been said that along with Frenkie de Jong, Eriksen is also seen as a very critical part to the 'development of a new style of play' at the club. 

In what could be a potential boost in United's pursuit, Alasdair Gold of Football.London has since reported that Tottenham, who have been touted as United's biggest competitors to signing the player, have not followed up their interest in the player yet - after being in contact with his camp a couple of weeks ago.

He also states that the word coming out of Tottenham at the moment is seemingly downplaying a potential comeback for the midfielder.

Antony

Ajax's Antony is linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Brazilian winger Antony had been long mentioned as a player Erik ten Hag would like to take to his next club - and a rough reported price tag for the player would be around £50-55m. Samuel Luckhurst also mentions him as one of the players wanted this summer at United.

Luckhurst goes on to add that Ajax are targeting Tottenham's Steven Bergwijn as a replacement for Antony. Despite this, it's also stated that Ajax are under no pressure to sell the player, given they've already completed a sale of Ryan Gravenberch to Bayern Munich. 

Centre-back

Samuel Luckhurst mentions that Jurriën Timber was earmarked by Erik ten Hag as his prime defensive target for the window, and that the club were confident of signing him as of last week. However, uncertainty over playing time before the World Cup has ended up plunging the move into doubt.

Timber could have moved to United but looks set to turn them down. Image: Alamy

He goes on to state that Pau Torres of Villarreal and David Carmo of Braga are among the alternative targets for the position, shortlisted by Erik ten Hag and football director John Murtough.

Elsewhere, it was also reported that United were preparing an offer for Lisandro Martinez, which might be another situation worth keeping an eye on in this context.

Back-up Goalkeeper

Luckhurst's report also states that Manchester United are expected to offset the departure of Dean Henderson with a back-up goalkeeper signing, with Karl Darlow of Newcastle United and Daniel Bachmann of Watford said to be among options.

Adam Leventhal reported that Bachmann was among a number of names United were considering to fill the void, and that the player would possibly cost somewhere in the region of £2-4m.

Samuel Luckhurst had also previously mentioned that United would be open to installing Tom Heaton as a second choice goalkeeper depending on the calibre of keeper they end up recruiting.

Tom Heaton was brought in as a third choice goalkeeper, however may be promoted to Dean Henderson's current position should Henderson leave Manchester United. (Alamy)

Although, after a lot of speculation over the same, it seems like a deal taking Dean Henderson on loan to Nottingham Forest will be a straight loan without an option or obligation to buy - this according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.

Kalvin Phillips

While mentioning the likely players or positions being targeted in the window, Luckhurst also provides some details on a player United had been pursuing prior to Erik ten Hag's arrival at the club.

Samuel Luckhurst reported in the month of April that United were working on a deal to sign Leeds United player Kalvin Phillips. While Erik ten Hag would retain the right to veto, the club were said to be setting up the framework of a potential deal. 

This was a view seconded by Laurie Whitwell and Phil Hay of The Athletic, who stated that United had explored via intermediaries the prospect of a £50m move for the player.

Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips. (Alamy)

Chris Wheeler of Mail Sport was then among the first to categorically state that the player would resist any attempt by Manchester United to sign him given their rivalry with Leeds.

Along with that and Leeds staying up strengthening their bargaining position, Manchester City also developed a strong interest in the player to replace Fernandinho - he was the player they wanted to replace him, as per Sam Lee of The Athletic.

Luckhurst now adds on to the same points of view, mentioning that Leeds staying in the top division and Manchester City's interest in the player have reduced the chances of United completing a deal for him.