Ratcliffe draws up four-man Man Utd transfer plan including 'priority' buy

16 January 2024 , 02:00

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham (Image: Getty Images)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drawn up an ambitious four-man transfer plan as the INEOS chief tries to transform the Manchester United squad this summer.

Ratcliffe, 71, is hoping his deal to acquire 25 per cent stake will be ratified by the Premier League next month and he is already looking ahead to see where he can improve the United side. Erik ten Hag's men currently sit seventh, eight points adrift of the top four and are already out of the Champions League.

There is a distinct possibility the Red Devils could miss out on qualification for Europe's elite club competition, which could derail and effect Ratcliffe's transfer plans. According to the Evening Standard, Ratcliffe is hoping to sign a 'top-class forward who is at a similar level to Harry Kane '.

That new striker is said to be a 'priority' and is expected to play alongside Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived last summer from Atalanta for £72million. The Denmark international scored his second Premier League goal in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham, a game in which Ratcliffe was in attendance.

Hojlund has the backing of senior officials at United despite his difficult start to life in England, having netted just seven goals in 25 appearances this season. The 20-year-old defended his United form after scoring for the second successive league game, admitting "I've always believed in myself".

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As well as a new forward, a No.8, centre-back and right-back are areas being targeted by Ratcliffe ahead of a planned overhaul of their squad at the end of the season. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice's Jean Clair Todibo are admired by the United hierarchy, though there is expected to be competition for both.

Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton FC via Getty Images)

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise has been identified as a key transfer target and he will reportedly be available for £60million this summer when his release clause becomes active. Olise, who has scored five goals in nine appearances so far this season, signed a new four-year contract in August.

Most of the players United are targeting will be difficult to sign in January as the Red Devils look to stay within Premier League spending rules. However, Ratcliffe's investment is set to increase the club's ability to buy players in the summer without breaching financial regulations.

Hannibal Mejbri wants to leave Manchester United this month (Getty Images)

Hannibal Mejbri is on the verge of joining Sevilla for £17.5m, while Jadon Sancho has re-signed for Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season. This will provide more opportunity for United to spend before the end of the month, but the priority remains the summer window.

Ratcliffe met the media before Sunday's clash against Tottenham. He said: "It's the first match for me since we got here. I'm very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions really.

"It's a big match and we normally do well against Spurs. I have met Erik [ten Hag] but it would be inappropriate [to comment on that meeting] until it's all formalised."

Kieran King