Paper Talk: Three attackers out, three in as Erik Ten Hag tells Man Utd his transfer wishes

Erik Ten Hag has told Manchester United the three attacking signings he wants to make, with a trio set to leave, Everton will likely have to sell at least two big-name stars, while Thursday’s Paper Talk has a big update on Kalvin Phillips’ Leeds future.

CODY GAKPO ON OF THREE TARGETS FOR TEN HAG AT MAN UTD

The Manchester United attack under Erik Ten Hag will seemingly have a very different look and feel to it next season.

The Dutchman is understood to be the United’s No 1 contender to take charge at Old Trafford this summer. Alongside Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique, the Red Devils have what appears a three-man shortlist.

But it is Ajax boss Ten Hag who looks likely to take over from interim boss Ralf Rangnick this summer.

During his interview process, Ten Hag shared with United officials both his tactics and how he intends to get United upwardly mobile. Closing the gap on rivals Manchester City and Liverpool will be far from easy – and several new signings are likely to play a part.

As such, Ten Hag reportedly told Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold and Rangnick the names of several targets.

And it seems that shaping up United’s attack is very much top of his agenda.

Two of his signings too may well come from his native Holland.

Indeed, as per multiple reports earlier this week, Ten Hag wants to make Ajax star Antony his first signing.

Gakpo on Ten Hag wishlist

As per the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag is also keen on a deal for PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo.

The forward has been one of the Eredivisie’s stand-out stars this season, scoring 16 goals and weighing in with five assists.

He’s contracted to PSV until 2026, so any deal will not come cheap.

Furthermore, United also want a new No 9, with Tammy Abraham their top target.

The Roma star is valued at £100m by Roma after a stellar debut campaign in Serie A. However, there is a feeling the cash-strapped capital club will sell if the price is right – and United won’t near to get anywhere near as high as that amount.

United are also reportedly still keen on Harry Kane. However, prising the England skipper away from Tottenham is seen as far trickier.

United trio set to depart

With Gakpo, Antony and one of Abraham or Kane arriving, United will obviously need to sell some stars.

As such, the MEN widely expects veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to depart.

The Uruguayan will leave at the end of his contract, while Ronaldo will seemingly exit after a frustrating season.

While he has managed 18 goals and three assists, United’s struggles to make the top four have left him frustrated.

As such, a parting of ways looks to be on the cards.

United are also willing to listen to offers for Anthony Martial.

The Frenchman is spending the rest of the season on loan with Sevilla. And while a permanent move there appears tricky, United are making it clear he is free to leave this summer.

Earlier this week, it was again suggested that Martial may be used in an attempted swap for Kane with Spurs.

BIG SALES REPORTED AT EVERTON

Everton will be forced to sell at least one of Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison, and possibly both, claims a report.

The Toffees are currently facing a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, sitting 17th and just three clear of the drop.

Off the field, things are even worse with the club this week announcing staggering losses of £120m during the last season alone.

And it seems things are due to get worse before they get better too.

As such, The Sun claims Everton are likely to sell off several of their big assets this summer.

And heading out the exit door will be at least one of Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison or even both.

Arsenal are among the admirers of Calvert-Lewin and will reportedly be back in for him this summer.

Richarlison, meanwhile, has reportedly held talks over a move to a north-west rival.

Wherever they end up, one thing looks certain and that is that Everton will be stripped bare of their assets.

And if they do avoid the drop this season, they will face an even harder task next season without several leading names.

KALVIN PHILLIPS TELLS LEEDS HE WANTS TO STAY

Leeds United have been boosted by the news that Kalvin Phillips intends to stay and sign a new deal.

The midfielder is contracted to Leeds until 2024, and is a player much admired following his England exploits.

As such, the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Aston Villa are all reportedly keen.

However, after a season wrecked by injury, Leeds have tumbled down the table and struggled to stay clear of relegation trouble.

Therefore, several papers have suggested Phillips will look to leave if Leeds go down.

However, the £50m-rated midfielder has, according to the Daily Mirror, told the club he intends to stay.

And he wants a bumper new deal as a reward for his loyalty.

Phillips’ current deal is reportedly worth just £25,000 a week. He can expect to treble his salary if a new deal is agreed.

Leeds, for their part, have managed to pull seven points clear of the relegation zone following back-to-back wins over Norwich and Wolves.

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