EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd to return for Harry Kane and Frenkie de Jong in summer

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 20 Feb 2024 21:37 GMT
• 4 min read

Exclusive

Manchester United remain very keen on both Harry Kane and Frenkie de Jong ahead of what's believed to be a summer transfer window full of expenditure, FootballTransfers has been told.

The recent improvement in the team's form has emboldened some members of the club who believe that securing a Champions League spot could be a persuasive factor for their top targets to join under the Ineos ownership, who are prepared to invest heavily in the upcoming window.

While we can confirm Man Utd have a long-standing interest in Mathys Tel, there is apprehension that a prospective change in the coaching staff at Bayern Munich, currently under the charge of Thomas Tuchel, could hamper any potential move.

Speculation surrounds the German's future at the end of the season, and the introduction of a new coach could impede the club's efforts to secure the attacker. The Red Devils had previously attempted to land Tel's signature before he joined Bayern Munich from Rennes in a €20 million deal in 2022.

Kane is well-liked by those at Man Utd, as FootballTransfers previously reported, and if there is a willingness from the player to make a Premier League return, then the club will pursue him. Kane was very open to a Man Utd move last summer, but ultimately the club could not afford Tottenham’s asking price. It's believed that Bayern could cash in on several players in the summer to fund big-money deals, though whether Kane will be among them will depend on the England striker.

Even though Rasmus Hojlund has been in stellar form, the club does not wish to leave to chance missing out on a high volume of goals like they did earlier this season, particularly as they have ambitions of attacking their competitions on all fronts next term. The youngster had a slow start to the season and there is a desire to add another quality striker with Premier League experience.

How much money will Man Utd have to spend in the summer?

As revealed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to put an onus on young players and Premier League experience. The new Man Utd chief will look to fortify the club's financial position this year by injecting personal funds into the club, a move that would allow an increase in allowable losses from €20m to €122m over this accounting period.

This is expected to provide Man Utd with a substantial boost in its spending capabilities this year, potentially allowing the club to invest between €250m-€300m million on player acquisitions - though the actual amount will vary depending on qualification for the Champions League and Europa League.

Frenkie de Jong remains a target, but the club will not waste time pursuing the Dutchman unless his side gives positive indications. Sporting CP's Marcus Edwards and Michael Olise of Crystal Palace have been identified as targets early on, and there remains strong interest in Jarrad Braithwaite, as FootballTransfers was first to reveal.

Everton's Amadou Onana is liked but Man Utd want to mix new additions - a crop of first-team-ready players and those who can develop. Ineos want to make Man Utd a formidable machine similar to Manchester City, hence their addition of Omar Berrada.

Newcastle's Dan Ashworth looks set to land a role at Man Utd after being given assurances about how much power he can wield, something which was the sticking point in the agreement last month. He will be granted a huge say in transfer dealings and his philosophy of securing young talent domestically very much aligns with Ineos' own.