MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly drawn up a list of transfer targets all entering the final year of their current contracts.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford are preparing for their first summer transfer window at the end of the season.
Joshua Kimmich could be a transfer target for Manchester UnitedGetty
Canada team-mates Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are both out of contract with their clubs next yearGetty
And part of the thinking from the new chiefs is to partner with Erik ten Hag and new CEO Omar Berrada to find cost-effective signings.
While that will include a greater emphasis put on data to shake up their transfer policy, ESPN also state that will include snapping up players who have just 12 months left on their deals.
As United showed when they signed Mason Mount from Chelsea, clubs are often open to doing business over their stars once they go into the last season.
That is because they can still negotiate a transfer fee and eliminate the risk of losing them for free when the contract expires if they refuse to pen an extension.
So who is tied down until 2025 and might be targeted by United for a switch this summer?
JOSHUA KIMMICH
Kimmich, 29 on Thursday, was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in January with Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle all keen on the versatile German.
He has won it all with Bayern Munich and would bring plenty of experience to the Red Devils squad.
Kimmich’s best position is holding midfield, meaning he could be a long-term replacement for the ageing and expensive Casemiro, but is also comfortable at full-back.
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JONATHAN DAVID
Like Kimmich, David continues to be tipped to play in England.
Chelsea, Arsenal and United remain long-term admirers of the Canadian striker.
David, 24, has been with Lille since 2020 and won Ligue 1 three years ago – could he be ready to test himself in another country and rival Rasmus Hojlund for the No9 spot?
KHEPHREN THURAM
Thuram, 22, certainly has plenty of footballing pedigree as the son of World Cup winner Lilian and brother of Inter Milan ace Marcus.
But the central midfielder is making a name for himself in the Nice side pushing PSG closest in Ligue 1 this term.
With 150 Nice appearances and now a senior France cap, Thuram could be an exciting addition for Ten Hag to partner Kobbie Mainoo for years to come.
And a deal would not be hard to strike considering Ratcliffe’s involvement at both clubs.
ALPHONSO DAVIES
Davies is team-mates with both Kimmich and David – the former for Bayern and the latter for Canada.
He was also widely regarded as one of the fastest, most exciting and best attacking left-backs in world football in the last few years.
He is Bayern’s first-choice left-back – but reports suggest if he is going to leave, he already has his heart set on Real Madrid.
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Another Bayern star, Leroy Sane, is also out of contract in 2025.
The same goes for attackers Federico Chiesa, Neymar, Ivan Toney, Leon Bailey and Lionel Messi.
Midfielders Conor Gallagher, Mikel Merino and PSG teenager Warren Zaire-Emery will also be free agents in 18 months’ time as things stand – as will Denzel Dumfries.
And United’s rivals Liverpool currently have superstar trio Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah on deals until the end of the 2024-25 season.
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GettySir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford will team up with Erik ten Hag to sign players[/caption]
GettyKhephren Thuram continues to impress in midfield for Nice[/caption]