Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seemingly keen to kickstart his tenure as Manchester United’s co-owner by signing Premier League-proven players.
Such a philosophy could well put an end to acquisitions such as Antony, who was bought for an eye-watering £86 million and registered just one league goal over the past nine months.
Heading into the summer window, you can expect to see United linked with endless players, with some speculation holding no truth whatsoever.
However, two names that have continually been mentioned in conversations regarding the Reds’ transfer shortlist are Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite, leading fans to believe – and hope – that the rumours may hold some validity.
talkSPORT claims that United are ‘confident’ they can bring both talents to Old Trafford in the coming months. Crystal Palace are expected to demand a minimum of £60m for the prolific Olise, who has been one shining figure in a tumultuous term for the Eagles.
The arrival of head coach Oliver Glasner led to the French international overseeing his most scintillating performances of the campaign, with Olise, 22, etching his name onto the scoresheet twice in Palace’s 4-0 thrashing of United at Selhurst Park this month.
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United will look to capitalise on Toffees’ troubles
On the other hand, Everton’s precarious financial troubles, which have seen them dealt two separate points deductions for breaching Profit and Sustainability rules, could lead to them accepting as little as £40m for Branthwaite, whom they value considerably higher.
Another year in the top flight means balancing the books over the transfer window and consequently, having little room for manoeuvre when it comes to splashing the cash.
Offloading some of their most sellable assets may well be their only option, and there’s no doubt that Branthwaite, 21, is up there as one of the most profitable for the Toffees.
