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Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s three-man summer transfer wish list emerges
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has drawn up a three-man shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, which looks set to be a busy one at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the key positions he hopes to strengthen in the next transfer window. It looks set to be another busy summer of activity at Old Trafford ahead of potential return to the Champions League.
Solskjaer spoke about his belief that his current first-team squad are three players short of the quality needed to challenge for Premier League honours following the 2-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday.
“We feel we’re improving all the time and we know we lack one, two or three players and some experience, to be considered a title contender,” he said.
“We know that and we’re not going to start talking about that now.
“We’re going start talking about getting up up the table, getting more points and challenging for that top four because Chelsea and Leicester are too far ahead of us for my liking.”
KEY STORY: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals how many signings Man Utd are away from challenging for title
A central midfielder is the first position on Solskjaer's summer target list.
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and James Maddison of Leicester City have been linked with moves to Old Trafford but The Times report that West Ham rising star Declan Rice is the man they want.
The 21-year-old, who is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024, would provide a more defensive option than Grealish or Maddison.
He is likely to come with a hefty price tag, however, because his Hammers deal does not include a release clause.
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The next position Solskjaer is eager to strengthen is the right wing.
Daniel James has filled the position for the majority of the campaign but is more comfortable on the opposite flank.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho is the top target for the Red Devils but would again be a pricy addition.
The Bundesliga outfit are likely to demand in excess of £100million for the England international, who has chipped in with 19 assists and 17 goals in 34 appearances this season.
Solskjaer’s final priority is a striker to stick the ball in the back of the net.
Odion Ighalo has exceeded expectations since arriving on loan from Shanghai Shenhua but it is unclear whether a permanent deal will be offered at the end of the campaign.
The club’s ethos is to strengthen the squad with players in the early stages of their career - a throwback to the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Lyon hotshot Moussa Dembele is the man Solskjaer has identified to fill the key role.
The 23-year-old former Celtic and Fulham striker is likely to be the cheapest of the three players, despite being under contract until the summer of 2023.