Manchester United 'hire lawyers to contest UEFA' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to force through first transfer of the summer

Manchester United have hired a lawyer to contest UEFA as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's looks to force through the club's first transfer of the summer.

Man United could be active during the summer transfer window as they look to recruit new talent ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

A defender is thought to be high on their transfer wish-list following the departure of Raphael Varane.

The Red Devils want to sign Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and have tabled a 'disrespectful' opening bid.

Jean-Clair Todibo is also being tracked by Man United, but they have been blocked from signing him due to UEFA rules.

As INEOS have a controlling stake in both Nice and Man United, UEFA rules does not permit deals between clubs who will be playing in the same European competition next season, with both sides qualifying for the Europa League.

However, according to Sacha Tavolieri, Man United have not given up hope of signing Todibo despite the legal difficulties.

Tavolieri claims INEOS are set to contest the rule and have hired Swiss lawyer Gianpaolo Montener to plead their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

Man United are hellbent on recruiting Todibo but whether they will succeed in doing so remains to be seen.

Jean-Clair Todibo in action for Nice. Image: Getty

In a recent interview, Ratcliffe voiced his frustrations at UEFA's ruling that prevents them from signing the highly-rated Nice defender.

"They’ve (UEFA) said that we can sell him to another [Premier League] club, but we can’t sell to Manchester United but that’s not fair on the player and I don’t see what that achieves," he explained.

Man United qualified for next season's Europa League following their FA Cup triumph.

But Nice being in the same competition has complicated the Premier League side's pursuit of Todibo.