5 Realistic Transfer Targets for ten Hag This Summer

Pau Torres has had yet another stunning season at the heart of a Villarreal side that has once again been beating the odds. Whether it's his goals in the Champions League and keeping Robert Lewandowski at bay, or whether it's being part of a defence that has let in only 34 goals in 35 games in La Liga, the defender is one for the now and the future.

Manchester United also have their own defensive issue with the obvious being pointed towards the captain, Harry Maguire. Raphael Varane has also had a tough settling in season, and while Victor Lindelof has been better, he and Eric Bailly still bring more doubts than answers to the table.

Familiar in a back three and with the modern traits running through him like his ball control and passing ability, Torres would fit in perfectly under Erik ten Hag. He is, however, likely to cost north of £80m according to reports in Spain.

At the start of the year, it seemed as if Declan Rice was set to all but join Chelsea in a transfer that seems like it was meant to be. However, with what has happened at the club in recent times, it's unlikely the Blues will afford such a massive price tag.

At the same time, Liverpool seem happy with what they've got, Manchester City too, and there's little chance of the Londoner joining rivals in his city. So, step forward, Ralf Rangnick. The signing of Rice would be one of the best pieces of work United could do right now, as their midfield is absolutely tragic at times, and there's not much hope moving forward with Scott McTominay and Fred.

Rice is valued at over £100m according to a variety of reports, while David Moyes has already stated he's worth more than that. After this season, it's hard to disagree, and with Chelsea potentially out of the picture, United have to go all in for him.

Staying on the same page and Frenkie De Jong could well be the answer to many of United's issues in midfield and he is too seemingly available this season. The Dutchman has been in and out of the Barcelona team under Xavi, is believed to be involved in a potential swap deal with the club lacking transfer money, and has already excelled under ten Hag.

The midfielder will relish the chance to play under him, and alongside Donny van de Beek, this could be a match made in heaven for United. Reports in Spain have stated that Marcus Rashford may stunningly be part of the deal, but this would be an almighty thing to happen and it remains unlikely.

Once again, however, if he Rice is unavailable, this must be United's go-to move this season as Barcelona will take every penny they can get these days.

United are "best placed" to sign Benfica star Darwin Nunes this summer, and with the attacking options for the club decreasing significantly with Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani not there next season, this must be a transfer ten Hag considers.

Chelsea are also admirers of the forward according to reports in Portugal, but with their issues right now, United seem like they could get this done above all. At 22, however, and off the back of a season where he's already scored 34 goals, he's likely set to cost quite a bit.

From Benfica, though, so United could get the deal done more so than dealing with a giant of Europe. The only major concern for fans wanting this deal to go through is whether or not ten Hag pursues forwards over a clear need to add extra ammunition to defence and midfield.

Moving back to midfielders, and if Rice cannot be signed and sealed, attention must turn towards Amadou Haidara.

He is a man well-known to Ralf Rangnick and the defensive midfielder has already been of asked of by the German in his time at United. Haidara is only 24, is known for his excellence on the ball and at stopping signs of danger. Moreover, for a man lacking stature, his tackling ability has been key at times for RB Leipzig this season.

The Mali international would certainly be a much cheaper addition than Rice, and while no fee has been discussed or imagined by reports in Germany, he will likely be almost half of what the West Ham skipper possesses.

In truth, this one seems the most likely of the midfielders mentioned, with the price in itself favourable for the 'tight' purse strings of United, while buying from a foreign club tends to change things up in the negotiations too.