Manchester United are in danger of missing out on three key signings this summer amid the uncertainty over the transfer budget.
The Red Devils qualified for the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League last term, but the club have yet to make significant moves in the transfer market.
They have made an opening bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, but much more is expected from a club that aim to challenge for the Premier League title under Erik ten Hag.
The ongoing takeover saga has put United’s transfer plans in jeopardy, and it currently looks like they could miss out on three key targets this summer.
Moises Caicedo – Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea
United have followed the Ecuador international from his time at Independiente del Valle. They were close to signing him in 2021 before Brighton won the race.
The 21-year-old was acquired for just £5 million at the time, but the Seagulls are now looking for £80m at least to part ways with the highly-rated midfielder.
With Arsenal ending their interest, Chelsea and United remain in the race for him, but Fabrizio Romano has mentioned that the Blues are the front-runners.
Unlike United, the London giants have no ownership or financial issues. They need to balance their books by June 30, but are still moving forward to sign him.
Caicedo would be a fantastic acquisition for United with his ability to play in defensive or central midfield.
He could also slot in the right-back position when required. As things stand, United seem to have handed a free run to Chelsea to sign the South American sensation.
Kim Min-jae – Napoli to Bayern Munich
For a number of weeks, Kim Min-jae has been touted to join Manchester United, but the scenario appears to have changed with Bayern Munich entering the race.
The German champions have already made contact with the player and his agent. They have sorted personal terms and are currently negotiating agent fees.
Bayern can’t sign the defender until his £51 million release clause becomes active on July 1, but it is now claimed that they are in the ‘front seat‘ to land him.
United are capable of paying similar wages to Min-jae, but it has been reported that a centre-back is not the top priority for the club at the current point of time.
Hence, the Red Devils face the risk of losing Min-jae to Bayern. Ten Hag won’t be pleased as he is an admirer of Min-jae’s strong passing and defensive skills.
Harry Kane – Likely to stay at Tottenham Hotspur
The England international had another sensational Premier League season with 30 goals, but his achievements were overshadowed by Erling Haaland’s tally (36).
United boss Erik ten Hag is known to be a big admirer of the striker, but a deal seems unlikely to happen with the club put off by the valuation of the 29-year-old.
Spurs may consider parting ways with their prized asset for £100m, but that is a price that the Red Devils are reluctant to pay. They consider the valuation as ‘unrealistic‘.
United are working on a limited pre-sales budget this summer, and Ten Hag has accepted that the club can’t go beyond a certain point when comes to the transfer fee.
In our view, this also practically rules out an approach for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund could be viable targets.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
