Erik ten Hag is hoping to capitalize on the possibility that Southampton could be relegated to the Championship, which has led to ʀᴜᴍᴏʀs that Manchester United are interested in acquiring his services as a new midfield target this summer.

Under Ten Hag’s direction, the Red Devils are having a very successful season thus far. In addition to having won the Carabao Cup on Sunday, the club is also very much involved in three additional competitions for the remainder of the current campaign.

As a result, victory in the FA Cup and/or the Europa League may be the icing on the cake for an outstanding season. Nevertheless, before the results of those competitions are determined, Manchester United will also be looking to guarantee their spot in the Champions League by finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

As a direct consequence of this development, the Red Devils are getting the groundwork laid for the subsequent stage of Ten Hag’s reconstruction effort. The manager of United has brought in nine new players so far, with three joining the club in January to go along with the six new members he brought in over the summer.

Yet, the manager of United is prepared to be harsh in front of the transfer market that will open this summer in order to further streamline his squad. As a result of this, a report that was published on Wednesday stated that seven players, who would cost a total of 253 million pounds to buy, could all be offloaded this summer.

As a direct consequence of this, Ten Hag’s capacity to bolster his team would see a significant boost as a result. The Dutch manager would not only get additional transfer options as a result of this, but it would also clear up a number of positions in his team’s roster.

As a direct consequence of this, Ten Hag is most likely going to prioritize the quality of their work over the quantity of it this summer. And it would appear that one of his primary goals is to get a first-rate striker while also strengthening the team’s midfield.

Man United eager on Romeo Lavia transferAny transaction involving a new striker during this summer’s offseason is likely to cost United a price that would set a new record for the club. They have their sights set on both Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane, and a transaction involving either player would undoubtedly surpass the £100 million threshold.

They also have big ambitions to bring in a new player to play in the middle of the field. The acquisition of Casemiro has shown to be a wise move in the central midfield position. Yet, Ten Hag is aware that United have potential for progress alongside this.

As a consequence of this, it has been reported that they are actively searching for both Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham during this summer.

Any deals involving either player would be financially burdensome for United as well. In point of ꜰᴀᴄᴛ, West Ham is utilizing Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to Chelsea as a point of reference with regard to their appraisal of Rice. Because of this, the price of any acquisition would probably be at around £105 million.

His teammate in England, Bellingham, on the other hand, appears to be getting ready to move for even more. The most recent information suggests that his current club, Borussia Dortmund, is looking for a transfer fee of somewhere around £132 million (or €150 million).

Yet, it’s possible that the Red Devils won’t be able to make agreements for a new high-profile striker and a top-tier central midfielder.

The Daily Mail reports that Ten Hag is considering making a deal for Southampton striker Romeo Lavia as a means of reaching a settlement.

Since making the transfer from Manchester City in the summer, the 19-year-old has been a big success since moving to St. Mary’s. In point of ꜰᴀᴄᴛ, his exit from the Etihad came as bit of a sᴜʀᴘʀɪsᴇ, especially considering that Pep Guardiola was a major supporter of the Belgian Under-21 international player.

In point of ꜰᴀᴄᴛ, Lavia has demonstrated his evident skills for Saints by participating in 20 matches so far this season. And it was this form that first drew Chelsea’s attention to his obvious talent.

On the other hand, it is believed that City included a condition in his contract that gives them the ability to re-sign Lavia for close to forty million pounds. It, on the other hand, will not become operational until at the earliest the summer of 2024.

United is prepared to capitalize on Southampton’s current predicament.According to the report, though, United are now prepared to enter that contest and have the ability to reach Saints’ £40 million estimate.

With only 18 points to their record so far this season, the team from the south coast is currently rooted to the very bottom of the standings.

And the likelihood of United completing his signing will increase after they are demoted back to the second tier of competition.

In the event that Saints were relegated, they would not have much of a choice except to ʟɪǫᴜɪᴅᴀᴛᴇ their most valuable assets. And Lavia and James Ward-Prowse are considered to be their most ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ players, so there is sure to be a lot of competition for the two of them.

According to the Mail, Ten Hag believes that Lavia will become a major star in the near future. And the Dutchman would be delighted beyond measure to be the one to transport the young person back to Manchester.

And it would appear that the Dutchman regards the former City man as offering better value for the money than players such as Rice and Bellingham do.

Yet, the signing of him would probably result in the loss of at least one player from the central midfield position. In point of ꜰᴀᴄᴛ, Donny van de Beek is one of those who are likely to move on, and it is unlikely that Manchester United will have trouble finding suitors for Scott McTominay.