ROY KEANE has had his say on Manchester United’s transfer plans for the summer – and ranked the options.
The Red Devils are set for another big summer in the market as Erik ten Hag continues his rebuild ahead of their return to the Champions League.
United, who finished third and 14 points off champions Manchester City, continue to be strongly linked with England trio Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
Kane is their primary target with the club desperate for a new No9 while best pals Rice and Mount could bolster the midfield.
West Ham captain Rice could be on his way to Arsenal, though, while a Mount switch is dependent on United meeting Chelsea’s reported £55million valuation for their academy graduate who has one year left on his deal.
But straight-talking Keane has no doubts which of the three targets is the most important to transforming the Old Trafford side.
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Asked who can challenge Manchester City for the title next season, Keane told Sky Sports: “I hope it’s United, obviously depending on the takeover and recruitment.
“They have to get a world-class striker but it’s going to be difficult because City are brilliant with a great, great manager.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about Mount.
“They’re going to be linked with lots of players but the one that would excite you really is Kane.”
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Micah Richards challenged him on his Mount comment.
And former Red Devils skipper Keane continued: “He’s just gone off the boil a little bit. I know he can bounce back and he’s got qualities and I was raving about him a few years ago.
“He’s just gone missing the last year or two, had one or two injuries, the fact he can’t get in a bad Chelsea team.
“I wouldn’t be hanging my hat too much on him in terms of improving United and closing the gap, I think he’s a good player but would he improve United? I’m not so sure.
“I think Rice would, he would be a decent signing but in terms of the excitement and goalscoring, they’ve got to go for Kane but can you see Spurs selling to United? Very, very difficult.”
Kane has also been linked with Real Madrid while Newcastle could even make a shock swoop.
So should United miss out on the England captain, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Randal Kolo Muani, Goncalo Ramos and Evan Ferguson are possible alternatives.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
