03 May 2023 , 10:37
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Erik ten Hag is wasting no time ahead of the summer transfer window as Manchester United ramp up their attempts to sign an elite No.9 ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Red Devils have been reinvigorated under the guidance of Ten Hag, who has the club on course for a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League in his first year at the helm. But the Dutchman has designs on overhauling a squad that is still some distance from matching local rivals Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League.
Tottenham talisman Harry Kane is Ten Hag's top striking target, but following United's ill-fated pursuit of Frenkie de Jong last summer, contingency plans are in place. as he seeks an elite No.9.
One name who has emerged as a potential target for Ten Hag in recent weeks is former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who has flourished since swapping Stamford Bridge for Rome.
Manchester United scouts were in attendance at the weekend as Abraham scored in AS Roma's 1-1 draw with AC Milan, and, according to Calciomercato, the Italian giants have already set their valuation of the England forward ahead of summer interest.
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The report claims that Abraham would not be allowed to leave Rome for 'anything less' than €40million (£35.3m) to €45m (£39.7m) - a sum significantly lower than the £100m it would likely cost to prise Kane away from Tottenham.
In another boost to Ten Hag's hopes of luring Abraham to Old Trafford, Chelsea, who inserted a £67m buyback clause into the initial deal that took the Blues academy graduate to Rome, currently have no interest in triggering their first refusal option.
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Man United have been scouting Roma forward Tammy Abraham (Getty Images)Abraham has plundered nine goals and contributed seven assists for Roma this term. He notched an impressive 27 goals in all seasons last season after linking up with Jose Mourinho in Italy.
Earlier this month, Ten Hag once again stressed that signing a striker will be his top priority in the forthcoming transfer window.
He said: “It’s not a secret that over the whole season we had a shortage of No.9s. First, we had the dropout of [Cristiano] Ronaldo, then Antony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho was often not available, then you have a shortage of frontline players.
“With less players we have to cover many games, so definitely we need in the frontline players who strengthen the squad. You can approach that from many ways. The typical No.9, Rashford can also play very good as a No. 9 and Anthony Martial is a great No.9.
“We have players who can play in that role but, definitely, we need some offensive players who are really impact players, quality players, who improve the frontline.”