United given green light to target eight players with new transfer golden rule (2024)

Manchester United have gone back to the drawing board over their transfer strategy, finding a new blueprint that promises an interesting list of potential targets.

Behind the scenes, work is underway to improve Erik ten Hag's squad. The club are in pursuit of a centre back - already having had a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite turned away - as well as a midfielder and striker.

Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) are the latest hot topic, and it is also on United to stay within the confines of the laws while going about their business. Years of wasted spending will eventually catch up, so Sir Jim Ratcliffe has smartly sought to introduce a strategy of buying targets with reasonable release clauses or those in their final year of contract.

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As we move into July, this officially marks the 12-month stage of certain footballers being able to move clubs without a fee on this day in 2025. So, MEN Sport has delved into Transfermarkt's database to find potential summer targets on United's list...

Leny Yoro

Already known to be on United's radar, the story of Leny Yoro will be one to follow, as a number of top clubs have been linked to the defensive French sensation.

At 18-years old, he has already made 60 senior appearances for LOSC Lille and is due to represent his country as they host the Olympic Games later this summer. United were claimed to have had a £51m bid turned down when the window opened in June, though Real Madrid are believed to be the clear favourites for his signature.

Jonathan David

Another member of Lille's squad, Jonathan David, also has the clock ticking down on his deal across the English Channel.

In 2020, he transferred from KAA Gent, where he was the Jupiler Pro League's top scorer, for £22.8m, he has won the French league title and the domestic super cup, made 183 appearances, and contributed 102 goals.

What's more, the Canadian international has done all of this before the age of 24, so he is still considered to have his 'prime' years in the sport ahead of him. If his contract situation is not resolved, then Old Trafford chiefs could score a major coup.

Conor Gallagher

This could prove a difficult deal to pull off among rivals; however, United can only discover if that is the case by testing the waters for Conor Gallagher.

Our sister site, football.london, says that despite the midfielder's contributions, Chelsea will seek to sell the Englishman in order to boost their own PSR compliance. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are all said to be on the hunt, with the former even holding initial discussions over a deal, so that at least suggests the Blues are willing to sit down and negotiate with a Premier League rival.

Ivan Toney

If Ten Hag can rediscover the Ivan Toney of two years ago, the striker's arrival could prove to be one of the best pieces of business this year.

A primary incentive is, of course, his goal-scoring ability. Prior to his eight-month ban over betting offences, in the 2022/23 campaign, he scored 21 goals in 35 appearances - outscored only by Erling Haaland - but since returning, he hasn't found the rhythm he once possessed. Another good reason for the signing is the mentor role he can play with Rasmus Hojlund, teaching the 21-year-old the ins and outs of the role of a striker in English football.

Brentford have acknowledged the striker's desire to play at a higher level, though they will only allow his exit on their terms.

Lutsharel Geertruida

With Lutsharel Geertruida, United can secure themselves a highly versatile player and upset their rivals in one fell swoop.

The 23-year-old has made 198 senior appearances for Feyenoord, where he was a favourite under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot. They, along with Paris Saint-Germain, have been heavily linked with a summer deal, so Ten Hag could hastily storm ahead and sign his fellow Dutchman should he so choose.

He plays primarily as a right back for club and country, though he has the ability to move into central defence or defensive midfield when required.

Youssouf Fofana

Having earned a reputation as a strong midfield sweeper in Ligue 1, United could target Youssouf Fofana as reinforcement.

The 25-year-old has been linked to a number of teams in England and Italy in particular, most recently Tottenham and AC Milan. AS Monaco are said to be asking for £21.1m to secure his signing this year.

Maxence Lacroix

Maxence Lacroix is known for his strength and speed, which gives Bundesliga attackers a hard time in front of goal.

He already has a wealth of German top-flight and Champions League experience, though he will be without a club next summer as things stand. He extended his Wolfsburg contract a year after signing in 2020, with reports at the time suggesting he has a £33.8m release clause that is still active.

Youssef En-Nesyri

United know all about the talents of Youssef En-Nesyri, though it is not a fond time to look back on.

Last season, Ten Hag's side faced Sevilla in the Europa League quarter finals and all was set up for a good second-leg battle at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium after a 2-2 first leg. The Spaniards went on to win 3-0, with the Moroccan grabbing two of those en route to winning the entire competition.

He is set to be out of contract in 2025 and is still only 27-years-old.

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