Report claims Man Utd will launch 'imminent' offer for potential summer signing no-one saw coming

Manchester United could be about to make a shock first signing of the summer window, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe begins his project to take them back to the top.

This summer window has been highly anticipated by fans at Old Trafford, as they are finally free of the complete control of the Glazer family following Ratcliffe's new investment.

Erik ten Hag's position as manager has been under extreme uncertainty following the end of the season, but with it now confirmed he will continue in charge transfer business can officially get underway.

United's main target this window appears to be Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, with an initial offer of £35m for the 21-year-old being swiftly rejected.

Reports understand United are unwilling to meet Everton's £70m valuation and could move on to other targets with Real Madrid also keeping tabs on the English defender according to The Athletic.

With the Branthwaite deal looking like a slow burner, United are looking elsewhere for their first summer signing and are set to make an offer for goalkeeper Josep Martínez according to a report from Sacha Tavolieri.

Tavolieri states: "Manchester United now expected to formulate an official offered over Josep Martinez today… Red Devils wants to go concrete despite discussions between Inter and the player's representatives."

The report does not specify the value of Manchester United's imminent bid, but an earlier report suggested that Genoa is seeking at least €20 million from the sale of the 26-year-old.

Josep Martinez- Getty

Martinez made 36 league appearances for Genoa last season, averaging 1.2 goals conceded per game, which is slightly better than Andre Onana who averaged 1.5 in the Premier League.

This may come as a surprise to United fans with Onana and Altay Bayındır already being at the club, particularly considering the turnaround in the form of Onana.

Following a difficult start to his United career the Cameroon international had stepped up and played a big role in the club's FA Cup win last season.