SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is set to make Jarrad Branthwaite his first Manchester United signing in a cut-price £40million move.
The new Red Devils chief is determined to start his era with a bang.
And he is targeting England Euro hopeful Branthwaite ahead of the transfer window on June 14.
United want at least one new centre-back this summer, with Raphael Varane leaving and Jonny Evans’ exit likely.
Harry Maguire is also wanted by West Ham after entering the final year of his contract, while Lisandro Martinez has only just recovered from another serious injury.
Branthwaite has emerged as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League and is seen as the type of player who can transform United’s fortunes on the field.
Ratcliffe, who is yet to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future after Saturday’s FA Cup triumph, wants United to be challenging for the top prizes as quickly as possible.
And he is now ready to take advantage of Everton’s dire financial situation by landing Branthwaite for a bargain £40m fee.
The Toffees are in desperate need of cash to stay afloat once their ill-fated £500million takeover bid by 777 Partners is officially scrapped.
It means Farhad Moshiri is likely to have no choice but to take what he gets for any of his players.
And Everton could end up selling Branthwaite for half his £80m valuation.
Jordan Pickford, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana and Dwight McNeil could all go for cut-price fees too.
United’s move for Branthwaite comes as they face a nervy wait over their participation in next season’s Europa League.
Ratcliffe’s group Ineos also own French side Nice, who qualified for the competition after finishing fifth in Ligue 1.
And Uefa have told Ineos they must prove they do not have a “decisive influence” over two clubs in the same competition.
If they fail to do so, United will be bumped down to the Conference League in a huge blow for Ratcliffe.
The British billionaire has also been stamping his authority behind the scenes.
And United have reportedly given all non-playing staff just one week to decide if they want to resign from their jobs.
