Man Utd and Liverpool MUST spend big in January transfer window... the future of both clubs could depend on it

THE January sales. Three words guaranteed to scare every guy in the country.

Just when you think the wallet has taken a Christmas bang, suddenly there are plenty of other must-have bargains to give it another beating.

Erik ten Hag is hoping for some big signings in JanuaryCredit: PA

Now Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp are not two names you would think would be waiting for the doors to open with shopping bags ready.

But this year, it’s hard to imagine any other couple hoping to max out their credit cards like this couple.

Nothing cheap either. Only high-quality, top-class goods come into question. None of your little seconds here, thank you very much.

For the managers of England’s two biggest clubs, proven excellence is on the shopping list, nothing less.

They will certainly cost but then again, both Ten Hag and Klopp say they have been promised serious money.

Now it’s time for the moneymen of Old Trafford and Anfield to back those words with action.

Because if they don’t, the repercussions could extend well beyond what happens in the second half of the season.

They could influence the entire future of the two clubs.

This isn’t typical Sky Sports transfer window nonsense either. This one goes much deeper.

This comes with both clubs on the market and is looking for a buyer.

At a time when both are currently sitting outside of the top 4 – even with no guarantee of finishing there.

So there’s going to be some very interesting transatlantic talks in the offices of the Glazers and John W. Henry in the coming weeks.

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The American owners of the Premier League’s two greats have some massive decisions to make.

And unless they accept the need to speculate before they can accumulate, they can forget all thoughts of even getting close to the staggering prices being passed around.

In the case of United, figures of up to £8bn have been cited, while Henry is said to want £5bn for the Reds.

But those willing to splash around with this kind of dough want some guarantees for the money. First and foremost, a place at the pinnacle of football – the Champions League.

And that’s far from certain for at least one, maybe both giants this season.

Manchester City’s spot there is nailed down so one spot is gone while Arsenal look like they’re in for the duration.

remain two. Spurs are in at the moment and they’re not going to crash suddenly, and while Newcastle are about a season away from being real challengers, they’re in the mix.

Chuck Graham Potter’s Chelsea also belong in the equation and the prospect of at least one missing is more likely than possible.

Ten Hag is in dire need of more goals in his squad, while Liverpool need legs and energy in midfield.

The problem they both have is that everyone knows it too, so the price of each objective will reflect that.

Of course, the Glazers and Henry may believe their clubs are so big that the thought of Europa League football wouldn’t put off anyone interested.

If that’s the case, they might choose to keep their money in their pockets rather than spend millions on something they’re trying to get their hands on.

Well, good luck to them if they do, because that’s one hell of a risk.

It’s all well and good to bat eyelashes at potential foreign buyers, but if it means losing sight of the job, the consequences can be costly. Very expensive.