Erik Ten Hag has reportedly been left seething over Manchester United’s ongoing takeover saga – because it has foiled his plans to sign Declan Rice.
The Dutchman, who led the club to League Cup glory and back into the Champions League last season, wants to boost his squad by signing the England man who is also wanted by Arsenal and Manchester City.
Ten Hag is said to see Rice as the ‘perfect fit’ for his midfield but United’s ongoing talks with Sheikh Jassim have left the club in limbo.
Even should talks with the Glazers reach a breakthrough, the Owners’ and Directors’ Test in the Premier League could delay matters by another ten days or longer.
United will be looking to Mason Mount a title challenge next season having built a core group of players that includes Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
The midfielder is currently on international duty with Gareth Southgate’s England, having been open about his dreams of playing Champions League football.
The Red Devils are also looking to improve their defence this summer amid rumours captain Harry Maguire could leave.
Ten Hag identified Kim as a key target after the centre-back played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title success.
Reports claimed United had struck a deal to sign the South Korean, who was believed to have “accepted” the club’s contract offer of £9million-per-year, which equals around £ 175,000 per week.
It is also claimed Kim had made “more than a promise” to Ten Hag to join, so his U-turn has left the Red Devils boss frustrated.
Bayern Munich appear to have hijacked United’s move for Kim with the defender expected to sign a five-year deal with the German giants.
Ten Hag has been left frustrated by United’s lack of transfer activity, which has arisen in part due to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership.
