Man Utd ‘weighing up transfer swoop’ for £83m duo causing Jim Ratcliffe problems
Man Utd are making huge changes ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe coming into the club | Football Digest
Manchester United have identified AS Monaco duo Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana as long-term transfer targets amid murmurs about a potential swoop in January, according to reports. The 2024 summer transfer window will likely be the first influenced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and he will be familiar with both players.
United are expected to announce that Sir Jim has agreed a £1.4billion deal with the Glazer family for a 25 per cent stake as early as this week.
But the club’s winter transfer plans are up in the air, considering the 71-year-old will have to be the subject of the Premier League Owners’ and Directors’ test, which could last several weeks.
By the end of the season, Sir Jim should be in control of the football operations at United, with INEOS figures in important roles at Old Trafford.
He also owns French club OGC Nice, and INEOS will be well aware of the talent Vanderson and Fofana possess at their Ligue 1 rivals, just two points behind them in third.
Earlier this month, 90min reported that United had shown interest in the pair ahead of the January transfer window.
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Vanderson, 22, is considered one of Europe’s brightest young right-backs and is reportedly valued at £53million, with Real Madrid also credited suitors.
Fofana, 24, would likely set United back £30m and may pose as a successor to Casemiro, Christian Eriksen or Sofyan Amrabat if his season-long loan doesn’t become permanent.
GIVEMESPORT have provided an update on United’s reported interest, claiming both stars will be on the club’s radar for the future rather than as big-money arrivals in January.
The report states that the Red Devils have filed scouting reports on Vanderson and Fofana, with Erik ten Hag eyeing his own right-back and further midfield reinforcements.
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He has focused a chunk of his recruitment at United on changing the look of the midfield, and Fofana could be the latest addition if he is aligned with Sir Jim and his INEOS team’s new strategy.
Diogo Dalot penned a new long-term contract at Old Trafford earlier this year, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reportedly in talks over an extension of his own.
But neither has convinced on all fronts under Ten Hag, and he may be keen to recruit a right-back capable of operating at an elite level offensively and defensively.
The Dutchman’s power with recruitment is set to decrease under INEOS’ rule, though. They will have a clear vision to help fix United’s flimsy hit rate in the transfer market.
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