Man Utd target Everton signing as major upgrade on three stars but lofty price could force Ten Hag into sale
Manchester United are reportedly strongly considering a raid on Everton for Amadou Onana, though the Toffees’ high demand could result in a high-profile star departing Old Trafford.
The Red Devils hope to have some clarity on their takeover saga by the end of the season and possibly by the close of this week. With both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim in the running, the race to buyout the Glazers is now entering the final stages.
And once the preferred bidder is identified, United boss Erik ten Hag can officially get his summer rebuilding plans underway.
To that end, the United boss has three major targets in mind. His first priorities remain signing a new frontline striker, with Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund among those under consideration.
However, their prospects of signing either Kane or Osimhem certainly appear bleak. As such, it would be no surprise if United turned to Hojlund and some of their other targets, for whom we have compared all their stats right here.
In addition, United also want to bring in another central defender, for which Kim Min-jae is a top target.
And in an ideal world, the Dutchman is also looking for a new right-back and a midfielder to further solidify his squad.
However, he won’t be able to splash the cash regardless, with FFP limitations restricting their spending powers.
Nonetheless, there are ways and means around it, with United able to offload several unwanted stars to generate some income. Furthermore, that would also free up their limits by the removal of some hefty wages from the books.
To that end, several stars could find their times at United ending this summer.
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Ten Hag wants Everton star Amadou Onana
In terms of midfield recruits, Ten Hag has been casting his net far and wide. Indeed, the likes of Jude Bellingham and Frenkie de Jong are among those mentioned as possible targets for the club.
However, deals for either look highly unlikely with Ten Hag now reportedly casting his net much closer to home.
And according to Football Insider, they are plotting a move for Everton star Onana.
The Belgium star moved to Goodison last summer in a £33m move from Lille. And while Everton have struggled at the wrong end of the table again, Onana’s displays have been a major positive.
Now reports claim Everton boss Sean Dyche is giving the green light for Onana to leave Goodison.
However, any side wanting to prise the 21-year-old away from Merseyside is going to have to stump up £60m.
That would see Everton come close to doubling their initial investment and providing some much needed funds for team strengthening of their own.
Averaging 2.2 tackles per game in the Premier League and completing 85.2% of his passes, Onana has been a driving force in the Everton engine room.
Man Utd signing could see Fred or McTominay depart
Furthermore, Ten Hag reportedly sees him as an upgrade on all of Scott McTominay, Fred and Marcel Sabitzer for United.
And while the price is within United’s reach, their priorities for the summer do lie elsewhere. As such, a midfield signing is a ‘like-to-have’ rather than a ‘need-to-have’ for Ten Hag.
To help finance such a move, United would reportedly consider the sale of either Fred or McTominay. Indeed, our sources have indicated that the sale of Fred is not out the question for United.
McTominay, meanwhile, remains a target for top-four rivals Newcastle.
Furthermore, the signing of the Everton man could also see United abandon any plans to sign Sabitzer.
The Austrian has done well while on loan at the club and is open to making his stay permanent. However, with Bayern Munich demanding around £22m (€25m) for the 29-year-old, Ten Hag could decide against the deal.
