Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United chiefs to delay any contract negotiations ahead of the World Cup.

United have eight senior players with deals that run out at the end of the season, though some have the option to extend their stays by 12 months.

According to The Telegraph, Ten Hag does not want any new contracts to be signed while he is still assessing his squad.

David de Gea, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Fred and Diogo Dalot are among the players who may leave on a free next summer.

United have previously handed out long-term contracts to players who were barely featuring for their first-team, leaving managers with little room to manoeuvre in the transfer market.

But in the wake of Sunday’s damning 6-3 Manchester derby defeat, reports say Ten Hag has reiterated that decisions are still being made.

Despite going into the derby on the back of four successive Premier League victories, the Dutchman was wary that he still had plenty to learn.

United could also choose to trigger the 12-month options to ensure they do not lose players on a free if they are deemed surplus to requirements.

In other news

The Telegraph report that Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is not clear with Edouard Mendy yet to sign a new contract.

As part of their discussions with RB Leipzig over Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea have also discussed a move for defender Josko Gvardiol, according to 90min.

Football Insider say Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies is the subject of interest from Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Leicester.