SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is set to make Jarrad Branthwaite his first Manchester United signing in a discounted £40m transfer.
The new Red Devils boss is determined to start his era with a bang.
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And he is targeting England’s Euro Cup hopeful Branthwaite ahead of the June 14 transfer window.
United want at least one new defender this summer, with Raphael Varane gone and Jonny Evans likely to leave.
Harry Maguire is also wanted by West Ham after entering the final year of his contract, while Lisandro Martinez has just recovered from another serious injury.
Branthwaite has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best young defenders and is seen as the type of player who can transform United’s fortunes on the pitch.
Ratcliffe, who is yet to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future following Saturday’s FA Cup triumph, wants United to challenge for top honors as quickly as possible.
And now he is ready to take advantage of Everton’s dire financial situation by signing Branthwaite for a bargain £40m.
The Toffees desperately need cash to stay afloat after their ill-fated £500m takeover bid for 777 Partners was officially cancelled.
This means that Farhad Moshiri will likely have no choice but to take whatever he can get for any of his players.
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And Everton could end up selling Branthwaite for half his £80m valuation.
Jordan Pickford, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana and Dwight McNeil could also opt for reduced fees.
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United’s move to Branthwaite comes as the team faces a nervous wait for participation in next season’s Europa League.
Ratcliffe’s group Ineos also owns French side Nice, who qualified for the competition after finishing fifth in Ligue 1.
And UEFA has told Ineos it must prove it does not have a “decisive influence” over two clubs in the same competition.
If they fail to do this, United will be relegated to the Conference League, a huge blow for Ratcliffe.
The British billionaire has also been stamping his authority behind the scenes.
And United have reportedly given all non-playing staff just one week to decide whether they want to resign from their jobs.
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Chelsea have received permission from Leicester to speak to Enzo Maresca.
Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing a summer move for Crysencio Summerville.
Premier League clubs are targeting Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be a free agent when his Fulham contract expires next month.
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