Rio Ferdinand has called on his former club Manchester United to bring Jadon Sancho, Kalidou Koulibaly and Saul Niguez to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils have been tipped to sign a number of high-profile players when the transfer window reopens, despite the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A deal for Saul is reportedly almost done, while United are also understood to have been attracted by potential cut-price fees for Sancho, Koulibaly and others.

Ferdinand believes that those three players would help to make United a force at the top of the table again, with 37 points currently separating them from Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Asked for three players who could take United to the next level, Ferdinand told the Savage Social podcast: "Sancho, Koulibaly and Saul Niguez.

"I think Harry Kane's been linked but if I'm pushing for an attacking player I'd still go for Sancho, he gives you that little bit of imagination and I think he gives you that little bit of spice that they haven't got at the moment.

"I would [give Sancho No 7], he's that type of character. He's got an arrogance about him, it's what you want on a football pitch, they'd embrace that. So yes, I'd give it to him and put that pressure right on his shoulders!"

The 20-time champions of England are hopeful of saving more than £100m on deals for Saul and Sancho in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown.