Man Utd considering five players at Olympics as Erik ten Hag eyes more transfers

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could be eyeing some potential gems in Paris this summer. The football action has already kicked off in the French capital, even before the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Unlike the European Championship or Copa America, the football event is capped at Under-23 players, with only three 'over-age' exemptions being allowed for each nation.

While many big names may not be involved, it provides a platform for talented youngsters or players who are not able to get into their national team.

And there are plenty competing in the Games who could add immediate value to Ten Hag's squad following the additions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro with more expected in the coming weeks.

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If United are interested in Rennes forward Desire Doue , they may have to fight off competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Doue earned his place in the French squad by contributing four goals and six assists in 43 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants.

Bayern Munich are understood to have already seen an offer be turned down. Ten Hag's options on the wing are limited, particularly with Jadon Sancho's future still uncertain and Antony continuing to struggle.

Tottenham reportedly hold a huge interest in the promising 19 year old, who has two international caps for Les Bleus U23s side. If United do become interested, they may need to act quickly.

Meanwhile, Samuel Omorodion could be a game-changer for Ten Hag's team. He has shown his potential while on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid last season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in La Liga.

Another promising talent is Alex Baena, one of Villarreal's most exciting academy prospects. Last season, he contributed 14 assists for the La Liga giants. Remarkably, only Alejandro Grimaldo and Nico Williams provided more in Europe's top five leagues.

United have also reportedly tabled a bid for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez, who netted eight times in 31 outings last season. The forward was also part of the victorious Spanish squad at Euro 2024, although he only made a single appearance off the bench in Luis de la Fuente's side's 1-0 triumph over Albania.

The Olympics could provide the ideal launchpad for his career. Lopez is a flexible attacker, capable of playing on the left, behind the striker or even within the midfield trio. The 21-year-old has been with Barcelona since 2016, having transitioned from Real Betis' youth development system to Barcelona's renowned La Masia.

However, his future at the club remains uncertain due to Barcelona's pursuit of Nico Williams and their other links to Dani Olmo. Given the club's ongoing financial struggles, they may be persuaded to let go of the young Spaniard as a means of raising funds.

While Achraf Hakimi can't be classified as a young prospect, he is precisely what United need. As the captain of Morocco's Olympic squad, Hakimi is one of the most high-profile players at the Games.

United had a tough time in the full-back positions last season, with injuries and inconsistent performances from Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka affecting their sharpness at both ends of the pitch. With Wan-Bissaka's future currently up in the air due to interest from clubs like West Ham United and Inter Milan, Hakimi could be the ideal replacement.

Liverpool.com says: Top clubs from across Europe will be keeping an eye on the talented players at the Olympics and Liverpool should be among them. There may well be a bargain to be had as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his squad for the new season.