SIr Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer plans for Manchester United include bringing in a striker that is on a similar level to Harry Kane, according to a report.
Ratcliffe has agreed to purchase a 25% stake in United but is still awaiting ratification from the Premier League before officially being onboarded by the club. He said on Sunday he expects this confirmation to come sometime in February.
90min previously revealed that Ratcliffe has agreed to a ‘Transfer Plan’ with United, which decrees that the club will spend the January window primarily focusing on outgoings.
In the long-term, it appears the Red Devils are solidifying their strategy. The Evening Standard report a new centre forward – one that is of “a similar level to Kane” – is a priority, while they also want to bring in a new midfielder, right-back and centre-back. Kane was linked with a move to United last summer before he signed for Bayern Munich.
United forked out an initial £64m to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last summer, though this fee could rise to £72m if all add-ons are met. Ratcliffe was in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday to watch the Denmark international score his second Premier League goal of the season in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Erik ten Hag’s side have scored only 24 goals in 21 Premier League games so far this season – the fewest among teams currently sitting in the top half.
In terms of wingers, Michael Olise of Crystal Palace is on United’s radar, while Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are on their shortlist of centre-backs.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Hannibal Mejbri has left United for Sevilla on an initial loan, with the Spanish side retaining a £17m option to make the move permanent.
What we know
- Man Utd planning for summer transfer window
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets out four-position wishlist
- Red Devils want striker of similar stature to former target Harry Kane.