Manchester United will be able to attract some of Europe's biggest stars to Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag takes over as the club's new manager, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Red Devils are understood to be closing in on an appointment ahead of current interim boss Ralf Rangnick moving into a consultancy role at the end of the season.

What's the latest news involving ten Hag?

According to The Athletic, ten Hag is edging closer to being appointed as Manchester United's next manager after reaching an agreement in principle.

The report suggests the current Ajax chief is expected to pen a contract which will run for up to four years.

It appears ten Hag has already identified targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business, with the Daily Mail claiming Tottenham Hotspur frontman Harry Kane and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice are at the top of the Dutchman's shortlist prior to his appointment being confirmed.

Darwin Nunez, Kalvin Phillips, Ruben Neves, Yves Bissouma, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger and Jurrien Timber have also been identified as potential arrivals at Old Trafford.

However, ten Hag could reportedly be made to contend with a budget of just £20million if the Red Devils fail to book their place in the Champions League ahead of next season.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about ten Hag?

O'Rourke believes ten Hag will be able to tempt some of the continent's biggest stars into moving onto pastures new and joining Manchester United.

But, by the same token, the journalist feels the prospect of featuring for the Red Devils will be enough to persuade a huge number of players to head to Old Trafford regardless of who is in the dugout.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "He's obviously very highly respected across Europe. He's done a great job at Ajax and I think players from Europe would be interested in playing under Erik ten Hag.

"But, for Manchester United, you're Manchester United. It's probably not just the manager that's the lure, it's going to play for Manchester United - one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Why do Man United want to appoint ten Hag?

Manchester United have failed to get their hands on a trophy since clinching the Community Shield, Carabao Cup and Europa League in the 2016/17 season, but ten Hag has already shown that he could be the man to turn the club's fortunes around.

Although he failed to guide Ajax to the KNVB Cup following a 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven yesterday, ten Hag has still managed to complete the double twice and secure five trophies in Amsterdam.

The 52-year-old also boasts a formidable record in the dugout, having overseen 279 wins in 432 fixtures.