Manchester United will become title contenders if they sign Harry Kane and Declan Rice this summer, according to former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

It looks destined to be an intriguing off-season at Old Trafford, with the club expected to be busy in the upcoming transfer window.

What's the latest news involving Kane and Rice?

Erik ten Hag looks set to be named as United's next manager, taking over from interim boss Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.

The current Ajax manager is likely to be given plenty of money to spend to try to reshape the Red Devils' squad after a dismal campaign, which will see the club finish the season without a major trophy for the fifth straight year.

It has been reported that United have already identified some of their summer targets, with Kane and Rice believed to be on their wishlist.

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What has Palmer said about United trying to sign Kane and Rice?

Palmer thinks signing Kane and Rice would significantly improve United's chances of competing with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

However, he is doubtful they will be able to get both deals over the line, and he has also highlighted that the team's defence needs to be strengthened ahead of next season.

When asked if bringing in Kane and Rice would put United back in the mix at the top of the table, Palmer told GIVEMESPORT: “Of course, they’ve got to be title contenders. I don’t think it’s going to happen.

“They definitely need to strengthen at the back. They definitely need a midfield player, and they definitely need a front player. So, we’ll have to see.”

Could United realistically sign Kane and Rice this summer?

It seems the odds are stacked against them right now.

The first issue is the respective transfer fees of the two players. Tottenham were unwilling to sell Kane for less than £150m last summer, while David Moyes has recently stated that Rice is worth the same figure to West Ham after another impressive season for the midfielder in east London.

Would United be happy to spend £300m on just two players? That could be their entire budget, and would mean that their defence would not improve at all.

Furthermore, it looks like they will not be able to offer the England duo Champions League football next term.

Kane and Rice will want to be playing in the biggest matches next season, and that is unlikely to be possible at United unless there is a major turnaround in the closing stages of the campaign.

With this in mind, United may have to set their sights on more realistic targets as the transfer window draws nearer.