Man Utd tipped to chase Chelsea and Barcelona stars following ten Hag appointment

The confirmation of Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag’s summer switch to Manchester United has brought a significant increase in transfer speculation with several players linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was officially confirmed as permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Thursday lunchtime when the Red Devils announced he had agreed a three-year deal to take charge at the end of the season.

A crucial summer transfer window lies in wait with the Dutchman expected to conduct an overhaul of the United squad and several eye-catching names have already been linked with a move to the club.

Ten Hag eyes reunion with Barcelona star

One of ten Hag’s main priorities once he is officially in place at Old Trafford will be a reunion with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong - according to Spanish outlet Diaro Sport.

After helping Ajax reach the Champions League semi-final in 2019, de Jong left the Eredivise giants to join Barca after they saw off competition from a number of suitors around Europe.

However, the report suggests Barcelona are not keen to sell the Dutch international after he played a key role in their recent rejuvenation under new head coach Xavi.

Red Devils target duo as part of new-look strikeforce

The Daily Telegraph have reported ten Hag is aiming to refresh United’s attacking options with three significant additions.

Benfica’s in-demand striker Darwin Nunez is said to be top of the list - although the Uruguayan international is said to be attracting the interest of a number of clubs around Europe after putting together a remarkable run of form this season.

Ten Hag is reportedly looking to add two wingers to his squad with Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma and Ajax star Antony said to be on his list of targets.

Agent of Chelsea star drops United hint

One of the key areas ten Hag will look to improve is the Red Devils defence.

Much-maligned throughout the season, the United back four have leaked more Premier League goals than relegation-threatened Burnley during a campaign hampered by inconsistency.

It should come as no surprise to see a number of defenders linked with a move to Old Trafford with Villareal’s Pau Torres and ten Hag’s former Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt all mentioned as possible targets.

One option discussed in the press before ten Hag’s appointment is Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who is now entering the final three months of his deal at Stamford Bridge.

The German international appears now closer to a new contract with the Blues and looks set to depart the reigning Champions League holders at the end of the season.

Metro have reported Rudiger’s agent has provoked talk of a move to United by posting an image of Red Devils legend Sir Alex Ferguson on his personal Instagram account.

Spanish giants linked with Rashford move

Spanish outlet Sport have reported Barcelona are looking to add United forward Marcus Rashford this summer.

The England star has endured a season of inconsistent performances and has been routinely linked with a move away from his boyhood club.

The report suggested Rashford is seen as a key target for the Catalan giants if ten Hag deems his surplus to requirements when he takes control at Old Trafford this summer.