Manchester United will reportedly be looking at out-of-contract stars to help aid Erik ten Hag's proposed rebuild.

What's the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that United do not have a huge war chest prepared for the Dutchman and will expect him to identify players who can be signed on a free this summer.

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In terms of attacking talent, stars such as Paulo Dybala and Ousmane Dembele have been touted as big names who are expected to become free agents this summer amidst their expiring contracts, though according to the report, it is currently unknown as to which potential free signing United could be eyeing up.

Dembele has previously been linked to United with reports last week stating that they have even offered him a contract.

A smart move?

As per the report, United's budget has taken a hit due to their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League, and with the potential free-signings that are on offer, ten Hag may resort to an option like £27m-rated Dembele who still has a lot to offer at the age of 24.

With his ability to progress the ball and recent development of his end product, the Frenchman, who has been dubbed a "superstar" by Liam Canning, could provide a real service to United and become their own version of Neymar - who is a similar player this season in terms of metrics according to FBref.

In fact, Josep Maria Bartomeu once went as far as saying that the Frenchman was "better than Neymar" as he hailed the winger's talent.

With 18 goal returns in the form of 12 goals and six assists over 21 games, Neymar has achieved four more returns than Dembele, who has 14 goal returns in the form of one goal and 13 assists this season over the course of 20 La Liga appearances.

The Frenchman's average of 5.11 shot-creating actions per 90, is not far off the Brazilian who has registered a match average of 5.91 SCA.

Though in terms of progressive carries, Dembele's average of 14.03 per 90 surpasses that of Neymar who averages a, still exceptional, total of 10.66 per 90.

With Dembele's contract expiring at the end of the season, United would be right to look at the free-signing of a player who has achieved very similar metrics to Neymar this season.

In other news: Man Utd plot bid to sign 24y/o who is “reminiscent of Beckham”, Ten Hag surely buzzing