Man Utd will use 'Ten Hag's nous' to make key signing at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United could be forced into searching for a ‘budget Declan Rice’ this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

A new central midfielder is expected to arrive at Old Trafford ahead of next season, but they could be priced out of a move for West Ham’s Rice, who has a £150 million valuation.

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With Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic all set to leave United following the conclusion of the current campaign, reinforcing the engine room may be at the top of Erik ten Hag’s to-do list.

And according to ESPN, the Red Devils are set to face no competition for Rice’s signature as his other potential suitors are prioritising alternative positions or targets.

But the England international’s switch to United is far from guaranteed, with Ten Hag only expected to have a budget of between £100m and £150m, although this will be boosted by any departures.

As a result, alternative targets will surely need to be assessed, and Jones has previously informed GiveMeSport that PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare is being looked at.

Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness) have previously credited United with an interest in Aurélien Tchouaméni of AS Monaco, although Real Madrid and Liverpool now appear to have stolen a march in the race for the 22-year-old.

What has Jones said about Man Utd?

Jones told GMS in an exclusive interview: “If it doesn’t (work out with Declan Rice), they’re going to have to look for a budget Declan Rice.

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“And ultimately, that’s when Ten Hag’s nous comes in in terms of negotiating and spotting people that can do as good a job in a short space of time.

“Maybe it’s Sangare, it looks like they’re out of the running for Tchouameni at this point. So, whatever it is, they’re going to have to move fast on that deal, I think.”

Would Sangare be a good signing?

Ten Hag will know Sangare’s talents well after leading his Ajax side out against the 6 foot 3 ace on several occasions during their time together in the Eredivisie.

And the Ivory Coast international has been in impressive form for PSV this season, playing a pivotal part in their Dutch Cup success.

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As per WhoScored, Sangare has averaged 3.3 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per league game this term, placing him above his teammates for both metrics, while also ranking third after completing 1.7 dribbles.

Questions marks remain over whether the defensive-minded dynamo could make the step up to the Premier League, although he could prove to be an astute purchase for United.