Erik ten Hag calls for more Man Utd signings with Red Devils only likely to sign one of top two transfer targets
ERIK TEN HAG claims he needs more strength in his squad as he continues to push for summer signings.
Manchester United’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth is closing in on a deal for superkid Leny Yoro from Lille.
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
The club have had a bid of £42million, rising to £52m, accepted for the 18-year-old centre-back — who is also a Real Madrid target.
United have taken a major step forward and are now negotiating a wage packet to entice the Frenchman to Old Trafford.
Club chiefs are also in talks to snap up Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt for £42m from German giants Bayern Munich.
Yet at this stage it is likely they would only go through with one of these deals.
Ten Hag landed his first big signing of the summer with the £36m capture of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, 23.
The Old Trafford boss is clearly excited about the prospect of him playing for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag said: “He’s a player who can link up the game, who can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, dribble, make combinations.
“It gives us more options tactically, especially up front, as we have many players who can be direct and benefit.”
And Ten Hag emphasised the need for more arrivals — particularly with added games in the Europa League this season.
He said: “We know, in depth, we need more players. With the new format in Europe, you’ll have more games, more intense games, no winter break, a very condensed January.
“You need squad depth. Then it’s more and more about survival of the fittest.”
One United player who looks like he is staying, for now, is Jadon Sancho.
The winger, 24, was loaned to former club Borussia Dortmund in January after a bust-up with Ten Hag when he accused Sancho of poor performances in training — a claim the player rejected on social media.
The Dutchman confirmed they have made peace, though he did not confirm if Sancho delivered the apology he previously demanded.
Ten Hag said: “United need good players and Jadon is a good player. We have drawn that line and we move on.”
Despite coming eighth in the league last term, they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Ten Hag said: “We showed we can beat the world’s best. When everyone is fit, we already have a good team to achieve a high level.”