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£200m sales windfall could spark Man United summer splurge on four targets

£200m sales windfall could spark Man United summer splurge on four targets

Manchester United’s struggles with Financial Fair Play (FFP) have been well documented and the club are looking to ease the burden by selling four academy stars this summer.

Mason Greenwood, Hannibal Mejbri, Alvaro Fernandez and Scott McTominay are the quartet likely to be sacrificed to get FFP off their back ahead of a crucial squad rebuild next summer.

United’s financial situation has hindered the club from tapping into the winter market despite the frequent injury problems that have decimated the team this season.

Erik ten Hag may have to work with his current crop until the end of the season, but the landscape could change next summer with the club planning a major clear-out.

INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are eager to ease United’s FFP restrictions and are optimistic about pocketing at least £100 million from the sale of their academy stars.

Another £100m could be generated from the sales of United flops Jadon Sancho and Antony, who have been offered to clubs in Saudi Arabia.

United’s market activity in the previous summer window barely moved the needle, with the club struggling to break into the top four heading into the second half of the season.

It is imperative that they get it right this time, so we’ve compiled a four-man shortlist that United could consider for investment with their anticipated £200m sales windfall.

Jean-Clair Todibo

United’s pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

The Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in the OGC Nice centre-half, and it seems increasingly likely that his move to Old Trafford is a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.

Todibo could be the perfect long-term replacement for Raphael Varane, whose future at the Theatre of Dreams hangs in the balance as his contract expires at the end of the season.

However, United will need to move swiftly to snap him up, given interest from other European clubs. But he won’t come cheap amid reports suggesting Nice will demand at least €40m to sanction a deal.

Ivan Toney

Big-money summer arrival Rasmus Hojlund is finally starting to show promise in a United shirt after scoring in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time.

However, there remains a general feeling that United’s attack could do with a more experienced centre-forward to serve as a mentor for the highly-rated Danish striker.

Ivan Toney fits the bill given he is familiar with the Premier League, but negotiating a summer deal with Brentford would be tricky as they are likely to demand a fee in the region of £100m.

Toney scored and picked up the man-of-the-match award on his return to action after serving an eight-month ban, quickly highlighting his importance to a Brentford side that struggled in his absence.

Not only will United have to fork out Brentford’s astronomical asking price, but they’ll also face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been credited with an interest in the England international.

Adam Wharton

Blackburn Rovers’ crown jewel, Adam Wharton, continues to be linked with a big-money move away from Ewood Park. United should be looking to secure his services ahead of the competition.

United could part ways with McTominay, Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat, who has endured an underwhelming loan spell at the Theatre of Dreams, and Wharton may be the man to plug the gap.

The 19-year-old has excelled for Blackburn this season and could form a young yet effective partnership with United starlet Kobbie Mainoo at the base of the midfield.

Takefusa Kubo

After enduring a year and a half of endless and unproductive Brazilian spins from Antony, United could do with someone with more creativity on the flank to complement Rashford and Hojlund.

Takefusa Kubo has been a revelation for Real Sociedad this season, bagging six goals and three assists, which is more than United’s front three have managed thus far.

Kubo has also created eight big chances and could ease the creative burden on United skipper Bruno Fernandes, who has crafted nine clear-cut opportunities. 

Stats from Sofascore.com