Erik Ten Hag Is Engineering Manchester United 'Masterplan,' One Key Transfer Target To Help Jumpstart It

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be interested in signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as part of his ‘masterplan’ for Manchester United, according to reports.

Ten Hag, 52, is set to become the next manager at United in the summer ahead of Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.

It is believed that United have an agreement in principle for Ten Hag to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick, though a final deal has not been finalised.

According to reports, Ten Hag’s appointment as United manager is not expected before Ajax’s clash with PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Cup final on Sunday.

ESPN reports that the 52-year-old Dutchman ‘discussed his thoughts over the United squad’ during his interview with the Premier League club last month.

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And the publication added that United’s recruitment are ‘finalising shortlists on players in each position for the summer transfer window,’ with Ten Hag permitted to present his targets for the club.

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ESPN has claimed that one of the targets on Ten Hag’s radar is Tchouameni, who arrived at Monaco from Bordeaux in January 2020.

Tchouameni has impressed during his time with the Ligue 1 outfit and has managed 44 appearances across all competitions for Monaco this season.

The 22-year-old French midfielder, who is under contract until 2024, could cost United in the region of €60 to €70m.

PSG have also shown interest in landing the highly rated Tchouameni, but the Monaco star reportedly wants a move away from France.

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United could face opposition from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Tchouameni, but ESPN reports that the Blues’ ‘uncertainty over the club’s ownership’ puts the Red Devils in a stronger position.

Ten Hag is believed to be an admirer of the France international and Tchouameni’s midfield versatility appeals to the Ajax boss.

The Ajax boss is keen to reinforce United’s weakened midfield in the summer, with Paul Pogba likely to leave at the end of the season on a free transfer.