Manchester United are expected to spend big during this summer's transfer window, especially if head coach Erik ten Hag is able to lead them back into the Champions League for the 2023-24 campaign.
The Red Devils might be forced to pay in excess of £100m for a new centre-forward, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane said to be among their leading targets.
Meanwhile, a new central midfielder and new centre-back could also arrive, with Ten Hag looking to put together a squad capable of returning to the top of European football.
Man United took advantage of the free agent market to acquire Christian Eriksen last summer, though, and the midfielder has proved to be an inspired signing for the Red Devils.
With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out five players out of contract at the end of the campaign who the 20-time English champions could target this summer.
Evan N'Dicka (defender, Eintracht Frankfurt)
Frankfurt have not given up hope of convincing Evan N'Dicka to sign a new deal, but as it stands, the centre-back will be out of contract at the end of the current season.
Barcelona have recently been heavily linked with N'Dicka, while Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that 'five or six top clubs' are currently keeping a close eye on his situation.
The 23-year-old has made 31 appearances for his German club during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing one assist in the process, with 21 of those outings coming in the Bundesliga.
Should the Frenchman depart, he would be one of the most attractive free agents on the market, and Man United are expected to be in the market for a new central defender, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones potentially all leaving this summer.
Youri Tielemans (midfielder, Leicester City)
Youri Tielemans continues to be heavily linked with Man United, as it appears increasingly likely that the Belgium international will be leaving Leicester on a free transfer this summer.
The 25-year-old has again been an important player for the Foxes this season, featuring on 29 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and one assist in the process.
Tielemans has proved himself in the Premier League since his arrival from Monaco in 2019, and he is seemingly at the perfect age to make the next step in his career.
Man United are currently well-stocked in central midfield, but Scott McTominay could potentially leave this summer, which would open up space in the squad for Tielemans to arrive from the King Power Stadium.
Adrien Rabiot (midfielder, Juventus)
Adrien Rabiot was heavily linked with a move to Man United last summer, and at one stage, it appeared that a deal was on the verge of going through, but the Frenchman's wage demands allegedly scuppered the proposed switch.
A recent report claimed that the 27-year-old remains a target for the Red Devils, with his existing contract at Juventus due to expire at the end of June.
Rabiot has been a vital player for the Old Lady this season, scoring seven goals and registering two assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder put in some impressive performances for France at the 2022 World Cup, and it would certainly not be a shock to see him move to the Premier League over the summer.
However, Man United are likely to face competition from a number of clubs when it comes to the Frenchman.
Marco Asensio (forward, Real Madrid)
Marco Asensio's future remains the subject of much speculation, with the 27-year-old's contract at Real Madrid due to expire at the end of June.
The Spain international has been a regular for Los Blancos this term, featuring on 31 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and contributing five assists in the process.
Asensio has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and he could potentially arrive in England on a free transfer this summer.
Man United are well-stocked when it comes to the wide positions in the final third of the field, but the chance to sign a player of Asensio's ilk on a free transfer is an opportunity that does not come around too often, and he could thrive with a change of scenery after seeing his career stall over the last couple of seasons.
Marcus Thuram (forward, Borussia Monchengladbach)
Man United were heavily linked with Marcus Thuram in January, as were Chelsea, but the transfer window closed with the 25-year-old still at Monchengladbach.
Thuram's contract is due to expire at the end of June, though, and all of the signs are pointing towards him leaving his German club in search of pastures new.
The France international has been in strong form this season, scoring 14 goals and registering four assists in 23 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the attacker has managed 42 goals and 26 assists in 125 appearances for his current side since arriving from Guingamp in July 2019.
Thuram could potentially be signed as well as a big-money striker this summer, as Wout Weghorst, as it stands, is heading back to Burnley, while Anthony Martial may leave Old Trafford. body check tags ::
