Manchester United summer transfer budget revealed amid takeover talks

ERIK TEN HAG will be forced into a major fire sale to land his top targets this summer.

That’s after Man United’s measly war chest was revealed amid ongoing takeover talk.

The Glazers are looking to sell up for a world-record £6billion after 18 years at the helm.

They received fresh offers from British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim last month.

But the Athletic claims boss Ten Hag will be limited to just a £100million transfer kitty, regardless of the final takeover decision.

It’s said that United cannot go on a mammoth spending spree due to Financial Fair Play rules.

Ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to reinforce the squad with several world-class players.

But he will have to axe numerous current stars if he wants more transfer funds added to the pot.

It means United may only be able to strengthen one or two key areas this summer.

The Red Devils are looking for a new goalkeeper amid doubts over David De Gea’s expiring contract.

Ten Hag also wants a new centre forward, with a midfielder and winger also on his wish list.

But unless buyers are found for misfits like Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek, Ten Hag will have to see just how far £100m will stretch in the current climate.

Asked about summer funds amid takeover talks, Ten Hag said: “I don’t have an influence on that… also I don’t know.

“The only thing what I know is that Man United is one of the biggest clubs and I think it’s among maybe the two biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective.

“So I think this club has to compete for the highest in the world, so Champions League, Premier League.

“But in football you need funds to construct squads because at the end of the day, the level from your players makes you successful or not.

“Everyone knows you need funds to construct a squad. High level players cost a lot of money.

“I, we, see this as a project. In a project you are in windows, you strengthen your squad needs or make refreshments, so you get more balance and you bring young players in.

“But at the end of the day we want to be in the Champions League and we want to compete and knock them all out, so then we have a way to go.”