Sir Jim Ratcliffe could start his reportedly planned homegrown transfer strategy with the capture of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer. United are said to be eyeing the 22-year-old as one of their first signings once the Premier League ratifies Sir Jim’s £1.3billion bid for a 25 per cent stake in the club.
And there could be more recruits of the same ilk if INEOS persist with the strategy once the structural shake-up at Old Trafford is complete.
Express Sport looks at four players in two priority positions whom United could target, aligning with the same transfer philosophy.
Marc Guehi
United are expected to sign at least one centre-back in the summer after opting against triggering the 12-month extension in Raphael Varane’s contract.
According to the Mail, Palace defender Marc Guehi is on the Red Devils’ shortlist and could be a perfect right-sided replacement for Varane if he leaves as a free agent.
It’s claimed that the Eagles would demand at least £60m to part ways with Guehi in the summer, and they may be reluctant to sell to United if they trigger Michael Olise’s release clause beforehand.
However, the 23-year-old could be keen to take the next step of his career at the end of the season, especially if he features for England at Euro 2024.
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Jarrad Branthwaite
Other reports tout Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice option in this position amid an impressive season on Merseyside.
The 21-year-old shone on loan at PSV Eindhoven under United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy and has become a crucial fixture of Sean Dyche’s side.
Ten Hag will likely want another left-footed option to compete with Lisandro Martinez, and INEOS could view Branthwaite as an exciting candidate.
It’s claimed that Everton are expected to value the youngster at over £100m this summer, though.
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has flourished into an elite striker at Aston Villa, and there weren’t many better in Europe in 2023.
Watkins produced 32 goals and assists in the Premier League throughout the year. Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland boast higher figures.
Rasmus Hojlund has shown glimpses of his quality, but the £72m star needs a more experienced head to share the goalscoring burden with.
Whether Watkins would be interested in leaving his successful spell at Villa Park is another question.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney will most likely be one of the stories of the summer transfer window, especially if he hasn’t lost a step once he returns from his eight-month betting suspension in just over two weeks.
The 27-year-old was one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalscorers before his sudden absence, and Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move.
United could enter the race, though, and challenge for his signature if he ends the current campaign with a flourish.
Toney will be keen to give himself the best chance of making a strong start to his quest to represent England at the 2026 World Cup.
